Magnets & Motors
Lesson 15
Generating Electricity
Students learn about the source of household electricity.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Explaining: Use evidence from scientific investigations to think critically and logically to develop descriptions, explanations, and predictions (INO3 2.1.3).
Communicating: Communicate scientific procedures, investigations, and explanations visually, orally, in writing, with computer-based technology, and in the language of mathematics (IN05 2.1.5).
Evaluating Methods of Investigations: Describe how methods of investigation relate to the validity of scientific experiments, observations, theoretical models, and explanations (IN09 2.2.9).
Evaluating Potential Solutions: Compare and contrast multiple solutions to a problem or challenge (DE03 3.1.3).
Relationship of Science and Technology: Compare and contrast scientific inquiry and technological design in terms of activities, results, and influence on individuals and society; understand how science supports technological development and vice versa (DE05 3.2.5).
Placing a rotating coil of wire near a magnet can generate an electric current.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
You will need to have the motors put back together and working for this lesson. All materials can be handed out using the numbered baggies.
Student Management:
Make sure that you have the class discussion before handing out materials. It is important to make sure students have an idea of the difference between a motor and a generator (one produces motion and one produces electricity).
The rubber bands can quickly become damaged. Long, slow, soft strokes with the rubber bands work much better than short, quick, hard strokes.
Writing Support:
Have students write in their science notebooks different ways they can think of to turn a generator. Have students draw a picture of the best method and write an explanation of why that method is best. Use the attachment called “Final Quiz” to assess students.
Reading Support:
See the Student Activity Book for Lesson 16.