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DISCUSS (1 of 2):
Imagine power is out for a day. How would that affect your life? (For example: What things stop working? What things do you lose the ability to do?)
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DISCUSS (2 of 2):
Now imagine power is out for a week (or even a year). What are some ways this might affect your life?
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DISCUSS:
Besides making things move, what else can electrical energy do? (Think about examples from the story.)
Hint...
Here’s what we came up with: A) It can be used to make things like traffic lights and lamps light up. B) It can be used to heat things like toasters and heaters. C) It can be used to cool things like air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers.
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| Flashlight Maker worksheet | 1 per student |
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Scissors
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1 pair per student |
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Aluminum Foil
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4" per student |
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File Folder Labels (Stickers)
Masking tape will also work. We prefer stickers for ease of distribution in a classroom.
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Details
4 labels per student
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Index Cards (3x5)
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1 card per student |
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Batteries (3V 2032 button)
Each student needs one battery. We suggest purchasing a few more in case some don't work.
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Details
1 battery per student
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LEDs
Each student needs at least one LED, but it's ideal to have more for additional experimentation. We recommend getting an assortment of colored LEDs.
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Details
3 LEDs per student
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Teacher Note: If you purchase the batteries in advance, please read this document for how to safely store them.
We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.
For each student, tear off a strip of aluminum foil that’s about 4 inches wide and as long as the roll (usually about 12 inches).
Student slideshow: English | Spanish
Teacher printout: English & Spanish
In this reading, students learn how scientists are exploring using energy from human bodies to power machines.
You can elaborate student learning and engagement with Mystery Science mini-lessons.
If you are in an NGSS state, this mini-lesson supports the DCI PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
Historical footage from the 1930s shows how life changed when electricity made its way to rural America. Watch the video (7:32) and talk about the differences between then and now:
How did electricity change life in the home? On the farm?
How did electricity change the lives of men, women, and children?
Could you live without electricity in your house today?
Make a Lemon Battery
All you need are a few lemons, some pennies or copper wire, paper towels, and a nail.
This downloadable PDF from The Tech Museum of Innovation includes information on standards, vocabulary words, and ideas for extended learning. (Grades 4–8)
Challenge: Turning Your Flashlight On and Off
Your light up card works as a flashlight — it’ll let you see in the dark. But you probably want more than that in a flashlight.
Change your flashlight to make it easy to turn on and off. Watch this video for ideas if you get stuck.
Thanks for your feedback! If you have a question or need help, please contact us. Please consider sharing your review:
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