ween you and the visitor.
This is an example of an open circuit. Ask what needs to be done to complete the circuit. The answer will be for you to hold hands with the visitor. But that would be too simple.
Seize the moment. Have some fun and ask if a connection could be made if you touched the visitor’s nose with your finger. Of course it would. But then suggest the visitor touch your nose or your ear. If it doesn’t work, first asks if your little scamps are connected. Kids like to have a bit of fun with the teacher. Also, dry skin can inhibit the flow of electric energy. Moisten your finger with a damp paper towel (of course you have the paper towel and water bottle in your box) before touching the terminal on the ball. The buzzer buzzes and the red light flashes. YEA!!
All lessons need closure. So, let me close by concluding that the list of steps for the scientific method are things that we do naturally when solving problems. In this activity, information about the Energy Ball was collected, questions asked, hypotheses formed, and discoveries about closed and open circuits as well as conductors were made. Yes, The Energy Ball provides opportunities to learn a lot about science. But, one of its most important values is that you and your students can use it to play and have fun with science.
Janice’s Science Challenge
I wonder… How many people can be in the chain used to Turn On the Energy Ball? From now until October 1, 2012, Janice VanCleave and Educational Innovations will hold a contest. The winners will win an autographed copy of Janice VanCleave’s Energy For Every Kid and a $25 gift certificate to Educational Innovations!
Find out specifics for entering Janice’s Science Challenge.
For more information about open and closed electric circuits, see Open and Closed Series Circuits.
If you’re interested, here’s another blog post on the Energy Ball with useful lesson ideas.