Electric Highway

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In this design challenge activity, learners design and build a circuit: an "electric highway" that connects a battery and buzzer at least three feet apart using four types of materials. This is a simple exploratory activity about electricity and conductivity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • AA battery
  • AA battery holder (optional)
  • Buzzer
  • Wire strippers
  • Scissors
  • Duct tape
  • Aluminum foil
  • Electrical wire
  • Pennies
  • Washers
  • Paperclips
  • Binder clips
  • Paper
  • Rubber bands
  • Paper cups
  • Cardboard tubes
  • Twist ties

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Design Squad Nation

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 0810996