Homeschool Electronics and Magnetics Unit Study

A class to provide information about electricity, magnetism and renewable energy through instruction and exciting activities and projects.

Through instruction and hands-on activities students will receive information about what electricity is, how it works, and how it can be utilized.  Students will explore different ways electricity is generated through wind power, sunlight (solar), and hydropower, the movement of water.  Students will find out what conductors, and insulators are, how circuits work, and the difference between a motor and a generator.  There will be the introduction of scientists and inventors,  fun projects and experiments throughout the course.   Upper elementary students will receive an introduction to simple soldering methods.

Students will use a variety of supplies while doing the projects, many will be items found around most households while others will be from kits like snap circuits.

Class Topics will include:

Introduction to Electricity

Static Electricity

Currents

How Batteries Work

Circuits

Electromagnetism

Motors and Generators

Earth-Friendly Electricity

And More!

Projects will include:

Mini Radio Kit

Mini Speaker Kit

Making an electromagnetic "train"

Squishy Circuits

A Simple Switch

Solar Oven

Windmill

And More!

The class tuition will include the instruction and materials for at least two projects and misc. supplies i.e. wires, coils of copper, use of the soldering tool for older students, use of the class tool box, and handouts.

Supply list:  During the course these items will be needed by the students.

1) Storage container, or shoebox with lid

1) Letter-size (8 1/2" x 11") folder with 3 prongs for handouts

1) Composition or spiral notebook for journal

1) Pack of #2 Pencils

1) Pair of School Scissors

1) Hole puncher

1) 12 inch Ruler

1) Package of Metal paper clips

1) Pair of Safety glasses

1) Pair of Heat resistant gloves (optional)

1) Small Pack of each AAA, AA, C and D batteries

1) Small Pack of 9 volt

6) Neodymium magnets

2) Bar magnets

1) Package Balloons, mixed sizes

1) Container of Playdough (store bought or homemade)

Resources: 

Explore Electricity! by Camella Van Vleet