Students model the power grid by contributing to a class parallel circuit. Together as a class, they experiment with powering the circuit with coin batteries, hand cranks, and solar panels, and make observations of how the additions of these different power sources affect the consumers (represented by LEDs). They then talk about the different forms of energy they see in the circuit, and how energy is transferred from place to place.
The Details
Materials
For the class:
- Full-page printed images of elements of a power grid, labels, and a definition of “system”
- Tape or magnets to post the power grid components and labels on the board
- A “transmission lines” track made with a roll of paper approximately 6 feet long
- 4 Hand crank motors with handle (3D and Laser files available for printing handle)
- 4 Solar panels
- 4 Flashlights
- Hole punch
For each student group of 2-3 students (may be packaged into kits):
- Powering New Jersey Student Guide
- 8 LEDs (red and yellow/green)
- 4 Index cards (3×5 inches)
- 8 Brass brads
- Maker Tape (2-foot strip per student)
- Transparent tape
- Scissors
- 1 Coin cell battery
Next Generation Science Standards
Cross-Cutting Concepts
- Systems & System Models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS2.B Types of Interactions
- PS3.A Definitions of Energy
- PS3.B Conservation of Energy & Energy Transfer
Learning Objectives
- Identify and discuss the main subsystems of a power grid system: power plants and generators, transmission lines, distribution lines, and consumers/loads
- Define a system as a group of components and their interactions that can carry out functions that the separate components cannot
- Describe the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and identify energy sources as one or the other
- Cite evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by electric currents