Tips+for+teaching+Electricity

__Tips for Teaching Electricity__


 * Never use rechargeable batteries in schools. It is not safe to use rechargeable cells or batteries in pupils’ practical work with circuits as these can easily overheat, split apart and catch fire. A rechargeable battery will always have ‘rechargeable’ printed on the side of it.
 * Make sure batteries, bulbs, buzzers, and other components are in working order before lesson.
 * In primary classrooms, most devices require between 2 and 6 volts to work correctly. The children must know not to put too much voltage into a circuit, or the component can overheat and ‘burn out’ and thus no longer work.
 * Bulbs are commonly 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, or 6 volts, buzzers are 3 or 6 volts, and motors are often 3 volts.
 * 3.5 V batteries are most practical batteries for primary school lessons.
 * Be aware that bulbs of equal voltage may differ in amps (0.2 A versus 0.3 A) and may result in one bulb being dimmer than the other.
 * For practical investigation, hand out batteries last as pupils tend to investigate before teacher’s instructions. Or, place all practical materials/electrical components in containers on tables. It is important to make sure that the pupils can see all the components from the beginning of the lesson, whether on teacher’s table alone or pupils’ tables. This is important as it engages the pupil and allows for the pupil to start thinking what the components can be used for.
 * Use of manipulatives (matching word, symbol, and picture) can be fun and effective way of learning for children. Pupils need to know symbols for electrical components by end of Year 4.
 * Be aware some metals may have plastic coating and may result in metal not acting as an effective conductor.