Electrical Circuits Web Links
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Our writers recommended these independent websites as background information and content supplements for the Electrical Circuits lessons.
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General Electricity
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Static Electricity Misconceptions
This site provides background information on students’ prior ideas and misconceptions about static electricity. ( http://www.amasci.com/emotor/stmiscon.html )
Causal Patterns in Simple Circuits
Lesson plans to supplement a broader unit on simple electrical circuits. The lessons are designed to address a set of persistent misunderstandings that students have when learning about simple circuits. ( http://www.pz.harvard.edu/ucp/curriculum/circuits/ )
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Electricity Resources
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Articles about “Electricity”
This site provides answers to a variety of questions associated with electricity and circuitry. ( http://amasci.com/ele-edu.html )
The Energy Story
An excellent educational web site sponsored by the California Energy Commission that provides comprehensive content information, as well as activities, videos, stories about the use and conservation of energy. ( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/index.html )
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Static Electricity (Lessons 1-2)
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Lightening
A wonderfully illustrated article that explains the processes associated with lightning. ( http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lightning/ )
Kids Lightning Information and Safety
This web site, drafted by a student, shares information about lightning and how to keep safe when lightening is present. ( http://www.kidslightning.info/zaphome.htm )
How Lighting Works
This site includes a detailed article that explains the science behind lightening. ( http://science.howstuffworks.com/lightning.htm )
What is St. Elmo’s Fire?
Describes how a phenomena known as St. Elmo’s fire is the result of dangerous electric fields that develop during electrical storms. ( http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/aug97/871742132.Ph.r.html )
The Weather Doctor: The Fire of St. Elmo
Outlines the scientific explanation of St. Elmo’s Fire and describes the historical effect of this phenomenon. ( http://www.islandnet.com/~see/weather/elements/stelmo.htm )
Electricity’s Spark of Life
A terrific site for both students and teachers about electricity. ( http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20031001/Feature1.asp )
Neuroscience for Kids
This page describes how neurons work by sending messages electrochemically. ( http://staff.washington.edu/chudler/ap.html )
Shark’s Electric Sense
An article that explains how sharks use electric signals to help them hunt. ( http://www.theallineed.com/ecology/06021705.htm )
Materials that cause Static Electricity
Learn about materials that cause or create more static electricity than others. ( http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/static_materials.htm )
Triboelectric Series
This site provides additional information on the Triboelectric Series of materials that causes static electricity. ( http://www.ece.rochester.edu/~jones/demos/triboseries.html )
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Benjamin Franklin
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Electrified Ben
Engaging account about Benjamin Franklin’s interest in electricity. ( http://www.fi.edu/franklin/scientst/electric.html )
Inventor: Benjamin Franklin
A list of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions reveals a man of many talents and interests. ( http://www.fi.edu/franklin/inventor/inventor.html )
Benjamin Franklin: Science Years
This site provides additional information about Benjamin Franklin and his famous “kite and key” experiment, as well as his invention of the lightning rod. ( http://www.school-for-champions.com/biographies/franklin2.htm )
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Current Electricity (Lessons 3-7)
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Alessandro Volta
This site provides information about Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the “voltaic pile,” the forerunner of today’s battery. ( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/scientists/volta.html )
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Thomas Edison
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The Great Idea Finder: Thomas Alva Edison
( http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventors/edison.htm )
Edison’s Lightbulb
( http://www.fi.edu/qa98/attic12/attic12.html )
History of Energy: Edison (1847)
( http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=fp_edison )
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These sites provide information about Thomas Edison and his invention of the incandescent light bulb.
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Michael Faraday
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Faraday Follows in Franklin’s Footsteps
This site provides information about Michael Faraday and his discovery of electro-magnetic rotations, which led to the development of the electric motor. ( http://www.fi.edu/franklin/scientst/faraday.html )
Faraday
This site provides information about Michael Faraday. ( http://www.rigb.org/rimain/heritage/faradaypage.jsp )
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Electric Generators and Transformers
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Electricity Basics
( http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/electricity.html )
Fun with Electricity
( http://www.jea.com/community/education/kidscorner/electricalfacts.asp )
Power Plant: From Our Plant to Your Door
( http://www.kcplkids.com/pr_plant.html )
How Electricity is Made
( http://www.rp-l.com/makeelectricity.htm )
Visit these sites to learn about how electricity is generated and transformed for use in homes and businesses.
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Communications Technology
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Kidswork: Telegraph and Telephone
( http://www.knowitall.org/kidswork/etv/history/telegraph/index.html )
The History of the Telephone
( http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltelephone.htm )
Visit these kid-friendly sites for information about the telegraph, telephone, and other uses of electricity in communications.
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Electrical Safety
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Electrical Safety World: What is Electricity?
This site provides important information on electrical safety, with games and activities for students to engage in. ( http://www.sierrapacific.com/kids_safety/electric/html/kids1.html )