Electricity
Outcomes
(Junior science)
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Students
should be able to:
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| Charge | |
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-generate
static electricity and explain its effects as a build up of electric
charge.
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-describe
the structure of an atom
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-explain
the origins of electric charge as it relates to the atomic model
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-define
an electric current as a flow of electrons
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-predict
if repulsion or attraction will occur between two known charges.
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-recall
that charged objects will attract uncharged objects.
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-define
static electricity as a build up of stationary charge
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-describe
how static charge results from the movement of electrons when two
objects rub against each other.
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-describe
how static electricity can be generated in every day life and explain
how lightning is a discharge of static electricity.
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| Circuits | |
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-describe
and construct a simple electric circuit
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-define
the terms open and closed circuits and explain why electrons flow
through a closed circuit.
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Link
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-define
with examples the terms . conductor, insulator, resistance.
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-define
voltage as electrical pressure in a closed circuit and discuss the
similarities between an electric current flowing through a wire
and water flowing through a pipe
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-be able to identify and construct, simple, series and parallel circuits |
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-discuss
the differences between parallel and series circuits. Predict the
outcome when minor modifications are made to such circuits. Modifications
such as adding an extra light globe or the blowing of a light globe
connected to the circuit.
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-define
a short circuit as a low resistance path back to the energy
source and identify the presence of one in a given circuit.
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Link
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-draw
a simple circuit diagram using appropriate symbols to represent
an electrical circuit consisting of a light globes, batteries and
switches
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Link
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-describe
the function of a fuse and give some examples of where
it is used.
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Link
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-define
the watt and perform simple calculations to calculate
the cost of operating a household electrical item.
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Link
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Electrical
energy
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-explain
the energy flowing through the power points when an electrical item
is plugged in causing electrons to move to and fro thus creating
an electric current.
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-describe
the many energy conversions that take place in a coal fired power
plant that sees solar energy eventually converted into electrical
energy.
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| -describe how electrical energy is produced and transported to a major city and used in the home. This can be done as a project. | |
| -describe how electrical energy is produced in hydro-electric schemes and nuclear power stations. This can be done as a project. |
Link
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| Generators | |
| -describe the relationship between current and electromagnetic force. This can be demonstrated by building and investigating an electromagnet. | |
| -describe the main parts of a generator | |
| -describe the relationship between magnetic force, current and rotational force as it applies to a generator and an electric motor. Understand that given any two the third can be produced. This can be demonstrated by manipulating a simple generator. |
Link
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| -describe the difference, in terms of electron movement, between alternating and direct currents | |