Learning about Electric Circuits
“There is a driving force more powerful than steam, electricity and nuclear power: the will.” – Albert Einstein
The Year 2 students had an extremely fun and interesting Inting last week with Experi-Buddies. They have been learning about electricity for the past few weeks and this Inting helped build on their knowledge of how electricity works.
Learning about electricity at this age is vital for young students as it teachers them how electricity works, the importance of electricity as well as the hazards that come with it.
We learnt about the different types of electricity, namely: static electricity, mains electricity and current electricity. The students enjoyed this and seemed fascinated by electrical circuits. New terms were introduced to the students, such as: conductors and insulators, open circuits, closed circuits, series circuits and parallel circuits.
Experi-Buddies expanded the student’s knowledge by showing them what a circuit looks like and how it works. The students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to connect a circuit themselves which was the highlight of the day.
“Talent is like electricity. We don’t understand electricity. We use it.” – Maya Angelou
Erin Hierse
Year 2 Teacher
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Year 2 Experi-buddies Inting
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” – Thomas Edison
In science, this term, our Year 2’s are learning about all the wonders of electricity! We are so excited for fun in class and exciting new experiments.
This week we enjoyed a visit from the Experi-buddies team. Our Inting started with a small demonstration from the team where we learnt about what Electricity is and who Thomas Edison was. After this we got into batteries and how we can use them to power up light bulbs, set off buzzers and even power up a small fan.
Our favourite part was when we got to go back to our tables and start experimenting with our own batteries and light bulbs. We learnt about open and closed circuits and exactly what we need to make the light go on. We also learnt about solar power and how that works, after experimenting with light switches too.
It was so much fun learning about things we are able to find and observe in our everyday lives!
Visit the link to learn more about Experi-buddies:
Siobhan Hendry
Year 2 Teacher
Electrical Excitement
The Year 2s are learning about electricity and simple circuits. Mrs. Baker’s class were guided safely to discover how electricity works.
The class was divided into four groups. They were given: a small light bulb, some wires, a battery, a battery holder, and a switch. Their task? Make the light bulb glow!
Much consternation, frustration and excitement followed. Each group was determined to be the first group to get the light bulb to glow. Mrs. Baker soon realized that a couple of tips were needed. The students got back on task, and before long, an excited shout could be heard as one of the groups were able to get their bulb to glow.
Why do such an activity in Year 2?
Science allows for many skills to be integrated in one subject. Students were expected to collaborate to complete the task. They had to problem solve and critically analyse what they were doing to change what wasn’t working and improve on what they had done so far. Once the students saw that all the wires and metal parts had to be touching for the light bulb to glow, immediate cohesion was seen in the group with each child having to hold a wire or a battery holder or the bulb to make sure everything was working in circuit.
I don’t think these Year 2s will easily forget this lesson! Hopefully this will ignite their curious minds to ask questions and discover new things daily.
Gillian Baker
Year 2 Teacher
Our Visit To The Koeberg Visitor Centre Was Fantastic!
On our arrival we were briefed about the station and introduced to the safety measures that have been put in place to keep everyone safe, as well as the contribution Koeberg is making towards the environment.
In the well-equipped auditorium skilled and experienced staff members introduced us to Eskom, the Generation Division and Koeberg Power Station by means of a video and an informative presentation. Eskom’s Education Programme aims to educate school children about the value of electricity and the important role it plays in bringing so much comfort into the home.
The exhibition explains everything from how a nuclear reactor operates, to waste and radiation, not forgetting safety precautions and Koeberg’s commitment to the environment. Furthermore, it aims to bring awareness to the fact that ‘flicking a switch” is so quick and easy one almost never considers the hugely positive impact electricity has on our daily lives…
It was a fascinating visit as we moved back in history and looked at the development of mankind until present day. Our host engaged our learners with some gripping questions and she had a brilliant way of dealing with them. She did a great job explaining the process of how electricity is made at this power station. We were also encouraged to visit the private reserve surrounding the power station and were pleasantly surprised to learn about the hiking trails that take visitors through pristine Fynbos and Strandveld which are ideal for bird watching.
The Year 9 to 12 students experimented with the numerous models which explain how ‘Energy makes thing happen”. Thereafter we were allowed to relax and eat our packed lunches on the breezy deck overlooking Koeberg’s Nuclear plant and the blue ocean.
The students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the field trip and the opportunity to learn directly from the source.
Riaan Vosloo
High School Teacher