iSTEM Assessment Task
Electrical Circuits
Introduction
As part of the Stage 5 iSTEM Course, Year 9 Students will complete a study of Electrical Circuits and Engineering Design. This task will aim to encourage students’ understanding of electrical circuits using a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning.
OUTCOMES TO BE ASSESSED IN THIS TASK:
Objectives
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inquiry based learning skills appropriate to technological and engineering practice;
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skills in solving technology based problems using mechanical, graphical and scientific methods;
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problem-solving skills in a range of technological and engineering contexts.
Outcomes
5.1.1 develops ideas and explores solutions to technological and engineering based problems
5.1.2 designs and investigates different approaches in the development of engineered solutions
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Key Terms
CIRCUIT - a closed path that electric current flows through from a power source. Electrons always move in one direction from the power source back to ground, the point where electrons leave or enter back into the circuit.
CONDUCTIVE - a property of a material that allows current to flow through it easily
INSULATED - a property of material that does not allow current to flow at all. This is the opposite of conductive.
ELECTRICITY - a type of energy resulting from the flow of electrons from a positive to a negative pole. Electricity has three important components that help people measure and use this invisible force: voltage, current, and resistance.
CURRENT - the flow of electrons through a conductive material or object. It is the same at all points in a similar circuit. Current is measured in amps. You can think of this as the water flowing out of the tank.
VOLTAGE - electrical pressure that causes electricity to flow. It is measured in volts. You can think of this as the height of the water tank. There are 2 types: direct current (a battery) and alternating current (electricity from the wall). We are using direct current from a battery - DO NOT try these projects with alternating current from the wall.
BATTERY - one or more cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy. Chemicals in the battery free electrons so they can move from one terminal to the other. This movement creates electrical energy that you can use to power the electronics you use every day.
POLARITY - in a circuit electrons move in one direction from the positive pole (power) to the negative pole (ground). When constructing a circuit, all components must be aligned properly so electricity can move through them.
INPUT - information received by a system from an external or internal source. In this case, input can be clapping your hands to close a circuit, pressing a button, etc.
OUTPUT - information sent from the system. In this case, an output might be an LED lighting up or a sound from the Noisemaker.
SHORT CIRCUIT - a direct connection between two sides of a power source. A short circuit can destroy your circuit and the components in it. Most importantly, this can be dangerous with high voltages, especially with electricity from the wall, and can electrocute or burn you.