Overview of Electricity Unit

Grade 6/7 Science Unit 1: Electricity

Learning Outcomes

I can evaluate various methods for producing small electrical charges.

• identify the charges of pairs of statically charged objects by systematically and accurately testing their attractions
• describe and distinguish between friction-produced electrical charge (static) and chemically produced electric charge (batteries)

I can test a variety of electrical pathways using direct current circuits.

• put together a working electrical circuit with a switch
• correctly explain the solution for fixing a short-circuit
• show the difference between parallel and series circuits when using batteries

I can show that electricity can be transformed into light, heat, sound, motion, and magnetic effects.

• create circuits that produce light, heat, sound, motion, and magnetic effects
• transfer electrical energy into multiple other forms of energy (e.g., light, heat, sound, motion energy),
• safely and reliably produce magnetic effects using electric current

I can describe the differences between renewable and non-renewable methods of producing electrical energy.

• create a comprehensive list of ways in which electricity is produced
• summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of the various methods used to produce the electricity used in our daily lives

Skills and Attitudes

I can demonstrate curiosity, creativity, open-mindedness, accuracy, precision, and persistence, and appreciate their importance as scientific attributes.

I can manipulate, construct, and test electrical circuits that use batteries.

I can show increasing confidence as a scientific problem solver by asking questions, solving problems, and making decisions.

I can demonstrate the safe use of electricity.

I can demonstrate the safe use and handling of electrical appliances.