Electricity
We sure did a lot in this unit! First, we learned the basics of electricity, like the definition of a circuit. We then experimented with alligator clip circuits, and went through a 6 section packet, doing experiments. Then, we moved on to breadboard circuits, where we first started using resistors. Finally, we combined the breadboard experience with coding when we worked with redboards. After we finished an instructional packet on the redboards, we were set loose to make our own robot art shows. We used Arduino code to plug into the redboard.
Below is an image of one of our original circuits. It would play the flute solo at the end of the Spongebob Squarepants theme song, and flash lights depending on what note was being played.
Below is an image of one of our original circuits. It would play the flute solo at the end of the Spongebob Squarepants theme song, and flash lights depending on what note was being played.
CONTENT:
Circuits are complete loops of conducting material from one side of a power source to the other. We built all kinds of circuits over the course of this unit. The main formula related to circuits is v=Ir. where v is voltage, I is current, and r is resistance. Resistance is how difficult it is for current to cross a certain part of the circuit. Voltage is the potential energy difference across a power source or resistor. Current is the "flow" of electricity through a circuit. Voltage is the "push" of electricity through a resistor. In this unit, we often had to check voltage and current of our alligator clip and breadboard circuits with ammeters and voltmeters.
Circuits contain parts either in series, or in parallel. If two parts of a circuit are in series, it means that they are connected together in a single line. If they are in parallel, they are on divergent lines. Seeing as these are the only two ways we learned to assemble a circuit, we used parallel and series sections for all our circuits.
There are a few basic laws, known as Kirchoff's Laws, that apply to all circuits. The first law states that the current going in to a circuit must be the same as the current going out. The second law states that the sum of all the voltages in the circuit will always equal zero.
PEAKS:
-When we finally finished the massive alligator clip circuit packet. That thing was huge, and it was such a relief to have it done.
-When we figured out the circuit diagram on the breadboard quiz. It was very complicated and confusing, even using some symbols we hadn't ever seen or used before. But we still finished it.
PITS:
-The alligator clip circuit packet. No, textbook. It was a difficult trudge through repetitive experiments that was often very time-consuming. Hopefully next year there will be a better way of teaching that..
-Some lazy teammates. Let's just say that some (and by some I mean half) of the table weren't really pulling their weight when it came to doing the alligator clip packet. This made it all the more boring for the half of us that WERE doing the experiments, as we now had to pull them along too. Next time, I need to stand up for myself and just leave them behind, instead of feeling sorry and pulling them along.
Circuits are complete loops of conducting material from one side of a power source to the other. We built all kinds of circuits over the course of this unit. The main formula related to circuits is v=Ir. where v is voltage, I is current, and r is resistance. Resistance is how difficult it is for current to cross a certain part of the circuit. Voltage is the potential energy difference across a power source or resistor. Current is the "flow" of electricity through a circuit. Voltage is the "push" of electricity through a resistor. In this unit, we often had to check voltage and current of our alligator clip and breadboard circuits with ammeters and voltmeters.
Circuits contain parts either in series, or in parallel. If two parts of a circuit are in series, it means that they are connected together in a single line. If they are in parallel, they are on divergent lines. Seeing as these are the only two ways we learned to assemble a circuit, we used parallel and series sections for all our circuits.
There are a few basic laws, known as Kirchoff's Laws, that apply to all circuits. The first law states that the current going in to a circuit must be the same as the current going out. The second law states that the sum of all the voltages in the circuit will always equal zero.
PEAKS:
-When we finally finished the massive alligator clip circuit packet. That thing was huge, and it was such a relief to have it done.
-When we figured out the circuit diagram on the breadboard quiz. It was very complicated and confusing, even using some symbols we hadn't ever seen or used before. But we still finished it.
PITS:
-The alligator clip circuit packet. No, textbook. It was a difficult trudge through repetitive experiments that was often very time-consuming. Hopefully next year there will be a better way of teaching that..
-Some lazy teammates. Let's just say that some (and by some I mean half) of the table weren't really pulling their weight when it came to doing the alligator clip packet. This made it all the more boring for the half of us that WERE doing the experiments, as we now had to pull them along too. Next time, I need to stand up for myself and just leave them behind, instead of feeling sorry and pulling them along.