Electricity
Leaders’ Guide
Prince Edward Island 4-H
This Leader’s Project Guide is a joint effort of the
Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture
and the Prince Edward Island 4-H Council.
Material for this project book was adapted from the
Manitoba 4-H Electricity Project. We would like to thank
Manitoba 4-H for sharing this resource with us.
Printed 2007
2
4-H Pledge
4-H Motto
I pledge
My HEAD to clearer thinking
My HEART to greater loyalty
My HANDS to larger service
My HEALTH to better living
For my club, my community and my country.
Learn to do by
doing.
ELECTRICITY
Achievement Day Requirements
Electrical Gadget
Simple Electrical Circuit (mounted on wood)
A Parallel Circuit (mounted on wood)
A Series Circuit (mounted on wood)
40
20
20
20
100 Marks
You must
complete all of
the listed
aspects in order
to show at Fairs
and Exhibitions.
Exhibition Requirement
Electrical Gadget
(must be strong enough to last
on the summer’s exhibition circuit)
Project Meeting 1: What is electricity?
Project Meeting 5: Control the Flow
electricity is the movement of electrons
switches
how electrical charges work
understanding through static electricity Project Meeting 6: Complications for
Improvement
Project Meeting 2: Play it safe
series circuits
electrical safety
parallel circuits
circuitry diagrams
Project Meeting 3: Energy Flow
different source of energy
Project Meetings 7 & 8: Putting It All
basics of an electric circuit
Together
design an electrical
Project Meeting 4: A Simple Electric
gadget
Circuit
build an electrical
completing an electric circuit
gadget
understanding insulators and
test an electrical
conductors
gadget
3
Electricity Leader’s Guide
INTRODUCTION
Electricity figures everywhere in our daily lives, it lights up our homes, cooks our food, powers our computers,
television sets, and other electronic devices. Electricity from batteries keeps our cars running and makes our
flashlights shine in the dark.
Here’s something you can do to see the importance of electricity. Take a walk through your house or farm
and take note of all the different appliances, devices and machines that use electricity. You’ll be amazed at
how many things we use each and every day that depend on electricity.
In this project, you will discover how electricity works and how we harness its power to work for us. There are
activities and tips throughout this book on how to make this a great “learn to do by doing” project. This project
requires a minimum of 8 project meetings to complete. Of course each project group can always explore the
world of electricity further by creating more adventures.
In this project, members will learn, through a hands-on approach, how electricity works. The
project meetings are designed to engage the members in the discovery process. It is important to
stress to members that we can learn as much from our mistakes as from our successes in the
experimenting and design processes. The final project meetings have members putting their new
found knowledge to use. This project is written with the expectation that the project leader(s) will
have a basic knowledge of how electricity works (it does not require a certified electrician!). If this
is not the case, you may need to do some pre-work or research on the activities or recruit
assistance for certain sections to avoid frustrations. Success will occur if the member has followed the project
meetings as set out in this guide and at each step undergone at least a minimum amount of self evaluation.
Success:
You are encouraged to do all the activities, but they are not mandatory. Substitutions of activities to teach
the material are certainly welcome.
The Internet has lots of interesting websites and educational activities on electricity. If this is of interest to
you, use a search engine to explore key words such as "electricity".
It is a good idea to read this Leader's Guide from beginning to end before you begin teaching the project.
One meeting builds on the next and knowing what is coming is useful for collection of supplies, messages
to the members for the needs of the next meeting and to keep your eyes open for final project ideas.
Safety must be modeled, promoted and practices, as a quality experience is a safe experience.
4
Project Meeting 1
WHAT IS ELECTRICITY
Science Background for Leaders
Where Does the Word “Electricity” Come From?
Electrons, electricity, electronic and other words that begin with "electr..." all originate from the Greek word
"elektor," meaning "beaming sun." In Greek, "elektron" is the word for amber. Amber is a very pretty yellowish
brown "stone" that sparkles orange and yellow in sunlight. Amber is actually fossilized tree sap. Ancient
Greeks discovered that amber behaved oddly - like attracting feathers - when rubbed by fur or other objects.
They didn't know what it was that caused this phenomenon. But the Greeks had discovered one of the first
examples of static electricity. The Latin word, electricus, means to "produce from amber by friction." So, we
get our English word electricity from Greek and Latin words that were about amber.
What is Electricity?
In simple terms, electricity can be described as free electrons (subatomic particles) moving from one atom to
another inside a conductor, such as wire or an electrical cable. We know when it is working, but it is hard to
know exactly what it is. Before we can understand electricity, we need to learn about atoms.
What are Atoms?
Everything is made of atoms—every star, every tree, every animal. Even you and I are made of atoms. The
air and water are, too. Atoms are the building blocks of the universe. Scientists so far have found only 115
different kinds of atoms. An atom looks like the sun with the planets spinning around it. The center is called
the nucleus. It is made of tiny protons and neutrons. Electrons move around the nucleus in clouds, or
shells, far from the nucleus. When an atom is in balance, it has the same number of protons and electrons. It
can have a different number of neutrons. Electrons stay in their shells because a special force holds them
there. Protons and electrons are attracted to each other. We say protons have a positive charge (+) and the
electrons have a negative charge (-). Opposite charges attract each other.
Have you ever rubbed a balloon over your head? Did your hair stand straight up on your head? If so, you
rubbed electrons off the balloon. The electrons moved into your hair from the balloon. They tried to get far
away from each other. They moved to the ends of your hair. They pushed against each other and made your
hair move— they repelled each other.
A charged object will also attract something that is neutral. Think about how you can make a
balloon stick to the wall. If you charge a balloon by rubbing it on your hair, it picks up extra
electrons and has a negative charge. Holding it near a neutral object will make the charges in
that object move. If it is a conductor, many electrons move easily to the other side, as far from
the balloon as possible. If it is an insulator, the electrons in the atoms and molecules can only
move very slightly to one side, away from the balloon. In either case, there are more positive
charges closer to the negative balloon. The balloon sticks. (At least until the electrons on the
balloon slowly leak off.) It works the same way for neutral and positively charged objects.
The same applies in winter with a toque and our dry hair. When you pull your toque off, it rubs against your
hair. Electrons move from your hair to the toque. Each of your hairs now has the same positive charge.
Things with the same charge repel each other. So the hairs try to move away from each other. The farthest
they can get is to stand up and away from all the other hairs. Moving electrons is called electricity. Using the
common example of the charged balloon or the flyaway hair will help bring this concept to life for members.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should be able to:
understand the concept of electricity through using the examples of static electricity
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Please note, you are not required to do all the Zappit Zone activities. Do at least 2 - 3 activities
so members can gain an understanding of what electricity is. Feel free to substitute with
activities of your own.
Zappit Zone 1: What's Your Charge?
Scotch tape can gain or lose negatively charged electrons when you stick it to a surface and rip it off. A
plastic comb will enable you to identify whether the pieces of tape are positively or negatively charged.
Required Materials
4 plastic drinking straws with flexible ends.
2 plastic 35 mm film canisters
Modeling clay (Enough to fill the film canisters halfway)
A roll of 3-M Scotch Magic™ Tape, 3/4 inch (2 cm) width. (Note: Don't substitute the tape with other
brands of tape the first time you try. Once you know what to expect, you can experiment with other
tapes.)
A plastic comb
Hair or a piece of wool cloth.
1. Press enough modeling clay into each of the film canisters to fill them halfway to the top.
2. Press the inflexible ends of two drinking straws into the clay in each can, and bend the flexible ends to
form horizontal arms that extend in opposite directions. The heights of the straws should be the same.
3. Tear off two, 4 inch (10 cm) pieces of tape.
4. Press each piece firmly to a tabletop or other flat surface, leaving one end of each tape sticking up as a
handle.
5. Quickly pull the tapes from the table.
6. Stick one piece on an arm of a straw in one film canister.
7. Stick the other piece on an arm of a straw in the other film canister.
8. Move the canisters so that the two tapes are face to face, about 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
9. Move the cans closer together. The two tapes should repel each other.
10. Tear off two more pieces of tape and press the sticky side of one against the smooth side of the other,
leaving one end of each tape sticking out as a handle.
11. Quickly pull the tapes apart and stick them to the two remaining arms. Bring the arms close together.
Notice that these two tapes attract each other.
12. Run the comb through your hair, or rub the comb with the wool cloth.
13. Hold the comb near the dangling tapes. The comb repels the piece of tape whose smooth side was in the
middle of the "sandwich" and attracts the tape whose sticky side was in the middle. When you hold the
comb near the tapes pulled from the flat surface, the comb will repel both tapes if they were pulled from a
Formica™ tabletop; the comb may attract tapes pulled from other surfaces.
14. Continue to experiment by pulling other kinds of tape from various surfaces or rubbing various objects
together and then bringing the tape or objects near the tapes on the arms. Bring your hand near the tapes
and notice what happens.
What’s Going On?
When you rip the two pieces of tape off the table, there is a tug-of-war for electric charges
between each piece of tape and the table. The tape either steals negative charges
(electrons) from the table or leaves some of its own negative charges behind, depending on
what the table is made of (a positive charge doesn't move in this situation). In any case, both
pieces of tape end up with the same kind of charge, either positive or negative. Since like
charges repel, the pieces of tape repel each other. When the tape sandwich is pulled apart,
one piece rips negative charges from the other. One piece of tape therefore has extra
negative charges. The other piece, which has lost some negative charges, now has an
overall positive charge. Since opposite charges attract, the two tapes attract each other. When you run a
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plastic comb through your hair, the comb becomes negatively charged. Tapes repelled by the comb have net
negative charge, and tapes attracted by the comb either have net positive charge or are uncharged. You may
have found that your hand attracts both positively and negatively charged tapes. Your body is usually
uncharged, unless you have acquired a charge -- by walking across a carpet, for example. An uncharged
object attracts charged objects. When you hold your hand near a positively charged tape, the tape attracts
electrons in your body. The part of your body nearest the tape becomes negatively charged, while a positive
charge remains behind on the rest of your body. The positive tape is attracted to the nearby negative charges
more strongly than it is repelled by the more distant positive charges, and the tape moves toward your hand.
Zappit Zone 2: Triboelectric Series
We often think that "static electricity is caused by friction." This is not quite right. While friction sometimes
plays a secondary role in surface charging, it’s the contact and the electron-stealing which are the key
processes. Static electricity is caused by the charge imbalance created by contact and peeling. Static
electricity is not an invisible substance called "static." Instead, we are creating an imbalance between the
quantities of negative and positive charges which were already there in the matter. Once they are separated,
it's not necessary that the charges remain "static" upon the surfaces. The charge does not need to remain
unmoving. It's not the static-ness of the charge that creates all the interesting effects, it's the imbalancing and
separation of the plus and minus.
When we rub two different materials together, which becomes positively charged and which becomes
negative? Friction aids the charging effect, but friction does not create it. Scientists have ranked materials in
order of their ability to hold or give up electrons. This ranking is called the triboelectric series. A list of some
common materials is shown here. Under ideal conditions, if two materials are rubbed together, the one higher
on the list should give up electrons and become positively charged. You can experiment with things on this
list for yourself.
Human Hands <---- Most Positive (greatest tendency to give up electrons and become highly +)
Rabbit Fur (often used to create static electricity)
Glass (the dust on the TV screen is an example)
Human Hair (flyaway hair is the result of a + charge)
Nylon
Wool
Aluminum (only gives up some electrons)
Paper (very little charge)
Cotton --- Neutral (best for non-static clothes)
Steel ----Neutral (can't be used to create static electricity)
Wood -- almost neutral
Nickel
Copper
Polyester (clothes have static cling)
Styrene (Styrofoam) (seems to stick to everything)
Saran (why saran wrap sticks)
Polyvinylchloride plastic(PVC) (becomes quite a collector of static)
Teflon <----- Most Negative charge
What's going on?
To create the best sources of static electricity would be to use one from the positive charge and one from the
negative charge list. Have the members experiment with rubbing different materials together and judge what
creates the best static electricity. In ideal circumstances, it should be a combination from the top and the
bottom of the list.
7
Zappit Zone 3: Electrical Fleas
Required Materials
A sheet of acrylic plastic (like plexiglass) (about 30 cm square and 3 mm thick)
A piece of wool cloth or fur
4 supports about 2.5 to 5 cm high (Salmon or tuna cans work).
A large piece of white paper, 11 x 17 inches (28 x 43 cm).
Tiny bits of puffed wheat or rice cereal, or styrofoam packing chips work well.
1. Put the piece of paper on the table.
2. Place the supports on the paper beneath the four corners of the plastic.
3. Scatter the tiny bits of Styrofoam or cereal under the plastic. (You can set this assembly up on any
tabletop.)
4. Charge the plastic by rubbing it vigorously with the piece of wool cloth or fur.
5. Watch the "fleas" dance!
6. Try different types of material for charging the plastic, including your hand; experiment with other
materials for fleas; and try the plastic at different heights.
What’s Going On?
Both the plastic and the fleas start out electrically neutral. That is, they have an equal number of positive and
negative charges. When you rub the plastic with the wool cloth, the cloth transfers negative charges to the
plastic. These negative charges polarize the fleas, attracting the positive charges to the tops of the fleas and
pushing the negative charges to the bottoms of the fleas. The attraction between the negative plastic and the
positive charge concentrated on the top of the fleas makes the fleas jump up to the underside of the plastic.
When a flea actually touches the plastic, some of the plastic's negative charge flows to the flea. The top of
the flea becomes electrically neutral. But since the whole flea was originally neutral, the flea now has some
excess negative charge. The negatively charged flea and the negatively charged plastic repel each other
strongly, which causes the flea to jump quickly back to the table. As the flea's excess negative charge slowly
drains away to the tabletop, or to the air, the flea again becomes neutral and is ready to jump up to the plastic
once more.
Zappit Zone 4: Electrifying Breakfast
Required Materials
Plastic comb or balloon
Thread
Pieces of dry O-shaped cereal
1. Tie a piece of the cereal to one end of a 30 cm length of thread.
2. Find a place to attach the other end so that the cereal does not hang close to anything else. (Like taping
the thread to the edge of a table).
3. Wash the comb to remove any oils and dry it well.
4. Charge the comb by running it through long, dry hair several times, or rubbing the comb on a wool
sweater.
5. Slowly bring the comb near the cereal. It will swing to touch the comb. Hold it still until the cereal jumps
away by itself.
6. Try to touch the comb to the cereal again. It will move away as the comb approaches. A static charge
balloon can substitute for the comb.
What’s Going On?
Combing your hair moved electrons from your hair to the comb. The comb had a negative charge. The
neutral cereal was attracted to it. When they touched, electrons slowly moved from the comb to the cereal.
Now both objects had the same negative charge, and the cereal was repelled.
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Zappit Zone 5: Bending Water to Your Will
Materials Required
A plastic comb or balloon
A sink and water faucet.
1. Turn on the faucet so that the water runs out in a small, steady stream, about the thickness of a pencil.
2. Charge the comb by running it through long, dry hair several times, or rubbing the comb on a wool
sweater.
3. Slowly bring the comb near the water and watch the water "bend."
This project can also be done with a balloon.
What’s Going On?
The neutral water was attracted to the charged comb, and moved towards it.
Zappit Zone 6: Light Up My Life
Materials Required
Plastic comb or balloon
A dark room
Fluorescent light bulb (not an incandescent bulb) (Handle the glass light bulb with care to avoid breakage.
The bulb can be wrapped in transparent tape to reduce the chance of injury if it does break.)
1. Take the light bulb and comb into the dark room.
2. Charge the comb by running it through long, dry hair several times, or rubbing the comb on a wool
sweater. Make sure to build up a lot of charge for this experiment.
3. Touch the charged part of the comb to the light bulb and watch very carefully. You should be able to see
small sparks. Experiment with touching different parts of the bulb.
This project can also be done with a charged balloon. It is very neat but needs a lot of charge to work.
However for safety reasons, never consider applying a charge from a stronger electrical source than static
electricity.
What’s Going On?
When the charged comb touched the bulb, electrons moved from it to the bulb, causing the small sparks of
light inside. In normal operation, the electrons to light the bulb come from the electrical power lines through a
wire in the end of the tube.
Zappit Zone 7: Battle Zone
Materials Required
Scotch tape
1. Pull a couple of 20cm strips of tape from the roll.
2. Hold the tape up by its ends so they hang downwards.
3. Slowly bring them side by side. Notice that they repel each other. If you try to force the dangling lengths
of tape to touch together, they'll swerve and dance to stop you.
4. Stick the strips to a door jamb and on a dry day they will keep repelling each other for several minutes
and will “attack" anyone who passes through the door. Obviously the tape has become electrically
charged.
What's Going On?
Electricity at work - positive and negative charges attracting and repelling. After several experiments, the
members should be able to understand that electricity is based on the movement of positive protons and
negative electrons.
9
Project Meeting 2
WHAT IS ELECTRICITY
Science Background for Leaders
Rules for electrical safety around the house:
never put your finger or anything metal in an electrical outlet
never touch an electrical appliance or switch when your hands are wet
never have electrical appliances plugged in nearby when you are taking a bath
never put your finger in a light socket
never use appliances that have frayed or exposed wires
never run the wires of appliances under rugs or across large open spaces
do not leave heat-generating appliances (i.e. irons) on or plugged in when not in use
do not overload outlets with too many plugs
use safety covers on outlets if young children are around
Safety during storms with lightning:
if outdoors, do not stand near a tree or pole
crouch down if you are in an open field
do not touch anything made of metal
if indoors, stay away from windows and doors
do not use electrical appliances
stay away from tubs and sinks
use the telephone only for emergencies
Children should not be working with electricity. Adults working with electricity should
use these safety tips.
Always without fail turn off the power source before working on an electrical circuit and then double check
by testing that the power is off. For example, if it is house wiring, turn off the power at the main electrical
service panel before working on electrical circuitry. Check the circuit with a voltage tester to be sure it is
powerless.
If it is a battery operated device or vehicle, disconnect and/or remove the battery.
If it is an electrical appliance or tool, pull the plug out of the wall socket. If it is a piece of machinery,
disconnect from the tractor and /or power take off.
Use a wooden or fibreglass ladder (insulator) not a metal one (conductor).
Never work with electricity while standing on a damp or wet floor or earth.
Be sure the electrical circuit is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should know basic electrical safety rules.
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Zappit Zone 1: Staying Safe With Electricity
This crossword can be copied and circulated to your project members to complete as a Zappit Zone activity.
11
Zappit Zone 2: Electricity Can Shock, Burn or Kill You
Electricity flows through water almost as easily as it flows through the wire that brings electricity to your
house. Your body is 70% water. Therefore, touching electricity will cause it to flow through you, and you will
be badly hurt. The amperage of the electric current and length of time you’re in contact with it determine the
injury.
Ask your project members the following questions…
1) If it takes 1 amp to light a 100 watt light bulb, how many milliamps would be needed? 1000 milliamps
2) How many milliamps would be needed to operate a 1000-watt appliance? 10,000 milliamps
3) From looking at the chart, what would likely happen to a person who accidentally touched 1 amp of
electricity? It would likely be fatal.
Zappit Zone 3: Home Safety Check-Up
As a group, you may want to do a Home Safety Check-Up of a house – focusing on all or sections of this
Home Safety Check-Up. The chart and suggestions for the Home Safety Check can be found on the
following pages.
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√
The Do-It-Youself
Home Safety Check-up
Lighting
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are wattages of light bulbs
the same as recommended wattages indicated on fixture sockets?
NO - An oversized bulb, one of too high wattage may cause a fire if it overheats that fixture.
SOLUTION - Replace it with the correct wattage bulb.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Does the fabric or material on
the fixture covering or shade look okay - not scorched or burnt?
NO - Material touching or too close to a hot light bulb can overheat and cause a fire.
SOLUTION - Replace the covering or shade with one of a larger size.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are all light bulbs in fixtures
in operating condition - not broken or cracked?
NO - When the glass bulb is broken, exposing electrical conductive parts, a shock hazard could result.
SOLUTION - Unplug the fixture or turn off the power and replace the broken bulb. If you don’t have a new
bulb, use a burned out one until it can be changed.
Electrical Cords
& Extension
Cords
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are all electrical cords and
extension cords in good condition - not frayed or cracked?
NO - If the cord’s covering is worn or broken exposing the inside wires, you can get an electrical shock when
you touch the cord. It could also overheat and create a fire hazard.
SOLUTION - Replace the cord with a new one. When storing cords, be careful not to bend or twist them.
Cords may fray or inside wires break.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are all appliance cords
placed so they won’t come in contact with a hot surface?
NO - Cords can be damaged by excess heat.
SOLUTION - Be especially careful when using outlets on or near the kitchen range or electric heaters.
Relocate cords away from any heat source.
13
Electrical Cords
& Extension
Cords
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Is the cord connector or cap
on any electrical cord solid and complete?
NO - If parts are broken or loose exposing electrical conductive parts, a shock hazard could result.
SOLUTION - Have the cord connector or cap replaced.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are cords placed out of the
way of traffic areas, away from doorway and window openings?
NO - Tripping over cords could lead to injury. Stepping on or pinching cords by closing doors and windows
on them can damage the covering and cause a fire.
SOLUTION - Keep cords out of the way of traffic areas.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are cords unobstructed by
furniture and carpets?
NO - Shock and fire hazards can result from damaged cords.
SOLUTION - Keep furniture off cords and do not have then under carpets.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are extension cords placed
away from traffic areas and secured in the correct manner?
NO - Holding cords in place with nails or staples can damage insulation and cause an overheating hazard.
SOLUTION - Tape cords in place using approved cord support or look for ways to minimize use of extension
cords in high traffic areas. You may need another electrical outlet.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are extension cords with
three-prong plug used only with three-hole electrical wall outlets?
NO - NEVER break off the third grounding prong so that a plug can fit into a two-hole electrical wall outlet.
This prong is there for safety.
SOLUTION - Ensure the proper cords are used in the correct electrical wall outlets.
Wall Outlets &
Switches
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
Do all unused electrical wall
outlets have safety covers on openings?
NO - A shock hazard can result if children insert objects into electrical outlets.
SOLUTION - Buy inexpensive plastic safety covers for all unused outlets.
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No
No
No
Wall Outlets &
Switches
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Do all electrical wall outlets
have covers (a faceplate)?
NO - Exposed wiring can cause a shock.
SOLUTION - Install inexpensive plastic switch and outlet covers.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Do all electrical wall outlets
and switches operate properly with no wires showing?
NO - This indicates an unsafe wiring condition.
SOLUTION - Have a qualified electrician check and repair them.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
When in use, do electrical
wall outlets and switchplate covers feel cool to the touch—not scorched or burnt?
NO - A hot cover (faceplate) is warning of a wiring hazard.
SOLUTION - Unplug the cord and have an electrician check and repair the wiring.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are light switches mounted
securely and all parts intact?
NO - If the mounting is loose or parts are missing, the wiring can overheat and create a shock hazard.
SOLUTION - Fasten switch mounts securely with a screwdriver. Replace any missing parts.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Do all plugs fit snugly into the
electrical wall outlets?
NO - If plugs fall out easily or are loose, the wire can overheat and cause a fire.
SOLUTION - Have an electrician repair the electrical wall outlet.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Do wall switches operate
quietly without a noticeable spark or crackling sound when moving the switch from the “ON” to
“OFF” position?
NO - A sparkling sound or flickering light indicates a wiring problem.
SOLUTION - Have an electrician examine and repair the switch.
15
Portable
Electric Heaters
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Do electric portable heaters
have a safety logo indicating the equipment has been tested for safety by a Canadian accredited
certification organization?
NO - Exposed wiring can cause a shock.
SOLUTION - Install inexpensive plastic switch and outlet covers.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Are portable heaters placed a
sufficient distance away from flammable materials like drapes and upholstery fabric?
NO - A fire may occur.
SOLUTION - Move equipment away from combustible materials.
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Has the portable heater been
positioned so it is stable - won’t tip over easily?
NO - Animals and even blowing drapes can tip over a portable heater causing a fire.
SOLUTION - Place the portable heater where is will be stable and not likely to be tipped.
Entertainment
Equipment
(TVs, radio, stereos, VCRs,
games, toys, computers)
Living
Room
Yes
No
Family/Rec
Room
Yes
No
Kitchen
Yes
No
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Basement
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Is equipment placed so air
can circulate freely around it?
NO - Blocking air flow to equipment can cause overheating.
SOLUTION - Allow the equipment to “breathe”. Avoid enclosing it in a cabinet that does not have proper
vented openings. Don’t store paper around equipment.
Power Tools &
Outdoor Electrical
Equipment
Power Tools
Yes
When using electrical equipment equipped with three-prong plugs, do you
use an extension cord with three-prong connections?
NO - Products with three-prongs are designed to lessen the risk of electric shock.
SOLUTION - Use the proper type extension cord (one with three-prong connections.)
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No
Outdoor
Equipment
Yes
No
Power Tools &
Outdoor Electrical
Equipment
Power Tools
Yes
No
Outdoor
Equipment
Yes
No
Are extension cords used outdoor specifically marked for such use?
NO - Cords not made for outdoor use may not withstand the greater abuse resulting from outside use. This
may result in a fire or shock hazard.
SOLUTION - Use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.
Power Tools
Yes
No
Outdoor
Equipment
Yes
No
Do you keep connections between outdoor extension cords and the cords
on electrical equipment above snow and wet ground?
NO - Water and electricity can cause an electric shock.
SOLUTION - Wrap connections with electrical tape to make them more weatherproof. Avoid connecting
cords if possible by using longer cord instead.
Power Tools
Yes
No
Outdoor
Equipment
Yes
No
Do you keep the work area dry?
NO - Dampness and electricity could lead to a severe electrical shock.
SOLUTION - Keep work areas clean and dry. Have GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) installed when
working in areas where there is potential for contact with water.
Power Tools
Yes
No
Outdoor
Equipment
Yes
No
Do all outdoor outlets have their own covers?
NO - Moisture can get into outside outlets and cause a malfunction, resulting in a possible shock hazard.
SOLUTION - Have proper watertight covers installed and keep them closed on unused outlets.
Christmas
Lighting
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you inspect indoor and outdoor Christmas light sets for frayed cords
and broken sockets before using them?
NO - If the cord’s covering is worn or broken, exposing the inside wires, you may get an electrical shock
when the cord is touched.
SOLUTION - Repair the cord or replace it with a new one.
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you use light sets marked “indoor use only” and “outdoor use only”
correctly?
NO - Cords on light sets not made for outdoor use may not withstand the greater abuse resulting from outside
use. This may result in a fire or shock hazard.
SOLUTION - Always use the right light set for the correct application.
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Christmas
Lighting
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you use insulated staples or clips to fasten outdoor Christmas light
sets to your home?
NO - Using nails can pierce and damage the insulation on the electrical cord.
SOLUTION - Use insulated staples, plastic clips or permanently attached clips to hold the cord in place.
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you try to have bulb sockets face towards the ground?
NO - Water and moisture can enter the sockets. The least bit of dampness combined with electricity can be
dangerous.
SOLUTION - When working with outdoor wiring, always turn off the electricity.
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you keep metal Christmas trees free of lights?
NO - Metal combined with electricity can create a potential fire hazard.
SOLUTION - Keep metallic decorations, ornaments and garlands to a minimum.
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you keep indoor tree lights free of metal foil icicles and garland?
NO - Metal combined with electricity can create a potential fire hazard.
SOLUTION - Eliminate these decorations or decorate with care, keeping garland away from the lights.
Position bulbs so they touch as few needles as possible.
Indoors
Yes
No
Outdoors
Yes
No
Do you place your Christmas tree away from heat sources such as hot air
registers, heaters, fireplaces and televisions?
NO - A dry tree near heat and electricity is a potential fire hazard.
SOLUTION - Locate the tree so there is sufficient space around it, away from heat sources. This will extend
the life of the tree.
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Project Meeting 3
ENERGY FLOW
Science Background for Leaders
Electricity is made up of charged particles. These particles are very small. These particles group together and
flow from a negative charge to a positive charge. We have shown that electrons can build up on one material
by rubbing two items together in a way so that electrons are rubbed off (work done) one piece and transferred
to the other. This flow is called an electric current, if a path is provided so the charge can continually move we
have an electric circuit. But, this electric current needs a path to follow. Electric circuits allow the electric
current to flow from the power source, to the light bulb and back again.
You can build a working current from various materials, including lemons, tomatoes, potatoes, almost any
fruit or vegetable. Here's how it works, there's a chemical reaction between the steel in the paper clip/nails
and the juice. There's also a chemical reaction between the copper in the penny and the juice. These two
chemical reactions push electrons through the wires. Because the two metals are different, the electrons get
pushed harder in one direction than the other. If the metals were the same, the push would be equal and no
electrons would flow. The electrons flow in one direction around in a circle and then come back to the fruit or
vegetable battery. While they flow through the 1.5-volt bulb, they make it work. This flow is called electric
current.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should be able to:
- understand that electric energy can come from multiple sources
- understand the basics of harnessing an electric current through an electric circuit
Zappit Zone 1: Electricity - Where does it come from?
Materials Required
Pencil crayons
1. Lead a discussion with the members about different sources of electricity. Encourage them to be creative.
They will know many sources. Some examples would be static, hydro, battery, wind turbine, lightning, etc.
2. Have the members write or draw pictures of the different sources that they can think of.
Ask members if they knew that electricity could come from their garden? Use it as your entrance into doing
Zappit Zone 2 and/or 3.
Zappit Zone 2: Surging Spuds
Materials Required
Potato
Plate
2 pennies
2 galvanized nails
Three 20 cm lengths insulated copper wire
1.5 volt bulb
1. Strip 5 cm of insulation off both ends of the three pieces of wire.
2. Cut a potato in half and put the two halves on a plate so they stand on their flat ends. The plate is there to
keep your table clean.
3. Wrap the end of one piece of wire around a galvanized nail.
19
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Wrap one end of the wire with both ends stripped around a penny.
Stick the nail and penny into one half of the potato so that they're not touching each other.
Wrap the third piece of wire around the other penny and put it into the other half of the potato.
Put the other nail into the second half of the potato. This nail should not have wire wrapped around it.
Connect the wire from the penny on the first half of the potato to the nail that has no wire on it in the
second half of the potato.
9. Touch the free ends of the wires to contact spots on the 1.5 volt bulb.
You'll probably have to try connecting the wires to the 1.5 volt bulb in different ways to get the energy to flow
through the bulb in the right direction. NOTE: This may be difficult to get to work. Try it and if it works, it is
fabulous. If it doesn’t, don’t let it become a source of frustration.
Zappit Zone 3: Lively Lemons
Materials Required
2 lemons
Three 20 cm lengths insulated copper wire
2 large paper clips
2 pennies
1.5 volt bulb
Scissors
Knife
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Strip 5 cm of insulation off both ends of the three pieces of wire.
Attach one of the paperclips to a wire.
Attach a penny to a second wire.
On the third wire, attach another penny to one end and a paperclip to the other end.
Squeeze and roll two lemons to loosen the pulp inside.
Make two small cuts in the skins of both lemons an inch or so apart.
Put the paper clip that is attached to the wire and the penny into one of the cuts until you get to the juicy
part of the lemon.
8. Stick the penny into a hole in the other lemon.
9. Put the other paper clip into the second hole of the lemon with the penny.
10. Put the last penny into the last open hole.
11. Connect the free ends of the wires to contact points of the 1.5 volt light bulb
Watch how the lemons make enough electricity to turn the 1.5 volt bulb on. If you've hooked everything up
and it isn't working, try switching the wires. NOTE: This may be difficult to get to work. Try it and if it works, it
is fabulous. If it doesn’t, don’t let it become a source of frustration.
What's going on?
One rule about electricity is that it will only flow through a complete circuit. That means that electricity has to
start from some source like one end of a battery and travel through some kind of conductor like a wire or
other material that electricity can flow through. The electricity then goes through a device like a bulb, and out
through a wire or some other conductor. The electricity then ends up at the other end of the battery. The
energy of the electricity is used to light the bulb.
To develop a motivation for experimentation and reduced fear of failure in our youth is to provide them with a
life long gift. If these experiments work as planned, celebrate the success of following directions, of trying the
unknown and of adjusting and persevering until the ultimate goal of “lighting up” is achieved. If these
experiments don’t work as planned, help the member to understand that the power is in the trying, encourage
them to search for reasons why it didn’t work and to be challenged rather than discouraged when their plans
don’t turn out as intended. These are life lessons 4-H leaders can impart to their members that will last long
after the bulb has burnt out!
20
Project Meeting 4
A SIMPLE ELECTRIC CIRCUIT
Science Background for Leaders
In an electric circuit, there must be a path from the source to the appliance - through the appliance - and back
to the source. The word "circuit" has the same root as the word circle. If any of the circle or circuit is broken,
the electric current is stopped and won't flow through. Therefore, the appliance -like a bulb - will not work - if
the wire is not attached in a complete circuit from the appliance terminals to the power source terminals.
Electricity goes through conductors. Two main conductors are metal and water. That is why we use metal in
the form of wire to create electrical circuits. Because wet things and things with water in them such as
animals and people are good conductors, you shouldn't use a hair dryer in your bathtub or be in a pool when
there is lightning. Electricity does not go through insulators. Insulators are materials like glass, plastic and
most types of rubber. These materials are put around wires to keep electricity away from you.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should be able to:
understand how an electric circuit is completed
identify different conductors and insulators
Zappit Zone 1: A Simple Electric Circuit (Achievement Day Requirement)
Materials Required
1.5 to 6 volt battery
Light bulb and socket (size is dependent on battery size)
Two pieces of insulated wire with 2 -3 cm of insulation stripped off the ends.
(Shopping tip: Occasionally bulbs and sockets can be difficult to find – hardware and
electronic stores are good sources. Dependent on bulb and socket sizes available,
battery size may need to be larger.)
1. Attach the two pieces of wire to the two battery terminals and the 2 lamp socket
terminals.
2. Explain to the members how the circuit is a complete circle and that is why the bulb lights.
3. Have the members experiment with removing one of each of the four wire ends from the terminal. The
bulb will go out as the circuit is broken.
Note: This sets the stage for the next meeting when you will be building switches.
Members’ Zappit Zone Achievement Day Requirement
Be sure members save their “Simple Electrical Circuit” for display at
Achievement Day. The circuit must be mounted on a piece of wood.
21
Zappit Zone 2: Insulators & Conductors
Materials required
Simple circuit as above
Plastic tongs
Rolled foil
A nail
A spoon
A screw
Paper clip
A piece of rubber
Glass
Cloth
Crayon
Plastic
Other objects as desired.
1. Stress safety and adult supervision for this activity. Use a small voltage battery and plastic insulated
tongs.
2. Remove one of the wires in the simple circuit to break the circuit.
3. Experiment with the different materials listed above by using them to replace the wire in completing the
circuit. Hold the object with plastic tongs and keep low voltage battery to avoid shock.
4. Have the members identify which materials are insulators (the bulb doesn't light up) and which are
conductors of electricity (the bulb lights up).
Object/Material
Conductor
Insulator
Don’t Know
The ability for all members to have hands-on opportunities greatly enhances their learning experience. If
possible, have a set of activities materials for each member so that each can participate in a very hands-on
way. If materials are limited, be sure to break a larger group into smaller groups of no more than 3
members per material kit or be sure that turns are taken around the table. While the second method
decreases direct hands-on experience, it does provide the opportunity to promote quality teamwork. The
reward for increasing each member’s hands-on opportunities is increased attention span and increased
learning—making it worth the extra effort.
22
Project Meeting 5
CONTROL THE FLOW
Science Background for Leaders
We already know that a complete circuit must be formed for the appliance to work. However, sometimes we
would want to break the circuit in a safe manner to stop the flow of electricity to the appliance and shut it off.
This is why we use switches. Switches interrupt and connect current flow to complete and break the circuit.
For example, a light switch turns a light on and off by breaking and making contact to complete a circuit.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should be able to:
understand how a switch works
transfer that learning into building a simple switch
Zappit Zone 1: Switch It
Use a real life example, like a light switch or a flashlight switch, to show the members how the switch works
to complete and disconnect the circuit. Be sure this is done in a safe environment.
Zappit Zone 2: Clip It
Materials required
Simple circuit from the last meeting
Paper clip (Do not use wrapped or insulated paperclips. The coating will not allow the electric current to
flow. The paperclips must be bare metal.)
Two paper fasteners or brads (or you can improvise with metal tacks or nails)
Small piece of corrugated cardboard (about 4"x2")
Adhesive tape
1. Cut one of the wires in your circuit and bare the ends. (Note: you may have to add additional wire if you
did not use enough length to include a switch.) Be sure to unhook them from your power source while
working to avoid shock.
2. Lay your paper clip on the cardboard. Put an X on the cardboard at each end of the paperclip. Label the
Xs as #1 and #2.
3. Hook the paper clip to a paper fastener, and push the fastener through the cardboard at X #1.
4. Push the other paper fastener into the cardboard so that it can be touched by the paper clip.
23
5. Wrap one free wire around each paper fastener on the underside of the cardboard. Bend the legs of the
fasteners out and tape them down.
6. Make sure the legs of the paper fasteners do not touch each other.
7. Reconnect the ends of the wire to where you detached them. To complete the circuit, move the paper clip
to touch the second fastener. The switch I now “on” - completing the circuit and lighting the bulb. When
the paper clip is not touching the second fastener, the circuit is not complete and the switch is “off.”
Zappit Zone 3: Pin It
Materials required
Simple circuit from the last meeting
Clothespin
1. Cut one of the wires in your circuit and bare the ends. (Note: you may have to add additional wire if you
did not use enough length to include a switch.) Be sure to unhook them from your power source while
working to avoid shock.
2. Wrap the bare end of the wire around a clothespin leg.
3. Do the same with the other wire around the other clothespin leg. Please note that you need to leave
enough room at the bottom of the leg so that you can place your fingers there to squeeze the legs
together. Both sets of wire must, also, be at the same height - so they touch when squeezed together.
4. Reconnect the ends of the wire to where you detached them. To complete the circuit.; Press the
clothespin legs together so that the wires touch. The switch is now "on" - completing the circuit and
lighting the bulb. When the clothespin legs are apart, the circuit is not complete and the switch is "off."
Idea Adapted from: "Electric Gadgets and Gizmos" by Alan Bartholomew, Kids CanPress, 1998
Abstract concepts, like electricity, are very hard for many people to grasp. If the member achieves the basic
concept, consider the lesson a success. To increase the success rate for members, the activities were designed
to appeal to a number of the members’ intelligences. The more ways we demonstrate an abstract concept, the
more likely that the member will be able to “see” or “feel” their way to understanding what it is all about.
24
Project Meeting 6
COMPLICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
Science Background for Leaders
To make electricity useful to us, people have discovered different ways to connect circuits and electrical
devices together. All circuits have three things in common and basic components, an energy source such as
a battery, a conducting loop or wire, and a resistance or resistor (anything that uses electricity to do work
such as a light, a stove, or a milking machine).
The circuits are divided by how many paths the energy can take to get to the resistance. In a series circuit the
current has only one path to travel and a break in any part of the circuit will interrupt the flow. Parallel circuits
offer more than one path for the current to flow - much like a fork in a river allows water to take a different
path. If one of the items in the circuit is broken, then no charge will move through that path, but other paths
will continue to have charges flow through them. Parallel circuits are found in most household electrical
wiring. This is done so that lights don't stop working just because you turned your TV off.
To help members identify the two circuits you may want to teach them the answers to the following two key
questions:
What is the major difference between the series and the parallel circuit?
The series circuit has only one path for electricity to flow through. The parallel circuit has more than one path
for the electricity to flow through.
How can you tell if this difference exists?
In the series circuit, when one light bulb is removed the other bulb went out. In the parallel circuit, when one
light bulb is removed the other stayed on. It did not matter which bulb was removed, the other still burns.
If you have different strings of Christmas tree lights that have parallel and series circuits, they provide an
opportunity to demonstrate these questions and answers to the members. Electricians and engineers draw
circuit diagrams to help them design the actual circuits. Circuit diagrams are a pictorial way of showing
circuits. Here is an example simple circuit.
25
Each symbol on this diagram stands for a device used in electronic circuitry. The straight lines that connect
each of the symbols together represent a wire for the current to flow thru.
Function of Component
Circuit Symbol
Wire (To pass current very easily from one part of a circuit to another)
This is the symbol for the joining of wires.
This is the symbol for wires that pass without joining. In complex
diagrams you sometimes need to draw wires crossing even though they
are not connected.
Ammeter symbol. An ammeter is used to measure current.
Voltmeter symbol. A voltmeter is used to measure voltage. The proper
name for voltage is “potential difference,” but most people prefer to say
voltage.
A Motor, converts electrical energy to kinetic energy (motion).
This is the resistor symbol.
Switch:
SPST = Single Pole, Single throw.
An on-off switch allows current to flow only when it is in the closed (on)
position.
An item that converts electrical energy to light. This symbol is used for a
lamp providing illumination, for example a car headlamp or torch bulb.
This is the battery symbol. (A battery is more than one cell). The
important thing to remember about this symbol is that the long bar
represent the positive terminal on a battery while the short bar is the
negative terminal.
Key Objectives Highlighted by this Project Meeting
By the end of this meeting, members should be able to:
understand the difference between a series circuit and a parallel circuit
transfer that understanding into being able to build a series and parallel circuit.
draw a basic circuit diagram
26
Zappit Zone 1: Parallel and Series Circuits (Achievement Day Requirements)
Build a series and a parallel circuit. The members must mount it on wood to keep it stable. Feel free to make
adjustments based on the supplies that you have available. Dependent on availability of supplies, age and
skill of the members, and size of the group, you may wish to make individual circuit boards or small or large
group circuit boards. To reduce cost, place the battery source in the middle and hook up one circuit disconnect and then hook up the other circuit. Label the circuits as parallel and series.
Materials required
Battery
Wire
Lights
Light holders
Switch
Mounting board
Fasteners (to secure items to board)
Series Circuit
1. Disconnect the wire from the negative end of the battery.
2. Connect this wire to the second light bulb holder.
3. With a 4th wire, connect the other end of the second light bulb holder to the negative end of the battery.
4. Put the
5. Turn the switch to the on position.
second light bulb into the empty holder.
Members’ Zappit Zone Achievement Day Requirement
Be sure members save their “Series Circuit” and “Parallel Circuit” for
display at Achievement Day. The “Series Circuit” and “Parallel Circuit”
must be mounted on a piece of wood.
27
Parallel Circuit
1. Turn the switch to the off position.
2. Connect a 4th wire to one end of the light bulb holder that was used for the closed circuit. This creates 2
wires connected at the same place on the light bulb holder.
3. Connect the 4th wire to the second light bulb holder.
4. Connect a 5th wire the same way you did with the 4th wire. Connect one light bulb holder to the other.
5. Put the second light bulb into its holder.
6. Move the switch to the on position.
Members’ Zappit Zone Achievement Day Requirement
Be sure members save their “Series Circuit” and “Parallel Circuit” for
display at Achievement Day. The “Series Circuit” and “Parallel Circuit”
must be mounted on a piece of wood.
When building projects are involved, it is a good idea to make a “sample” item prior to the meeting. Doing
this, serves several purposes:
1. Builds confidence that the item will work, allowing you to direct more attention to the members’
construction efforts.
2. Works out any glitches that may arise, paving the way for smoother instructions to be given.
3. Provides a visual teaching tool for members, people can understand instructions better if they are
presented in many different ways. Letter people hear, read and see the instructions increases
understanding.
28
Project Meeting 7 & 8
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Science Background for Leaders
In this project, members have learned:
that electricity means the movement of electrons
how to be safe around electricity
how to build a power source
which materials are conductors and insulators
the basics of an electrical circuit
how to build a switch
the difference between parallel and series circuits
how to diagram electrical circuitry
Now it is time for them to combine all the skills that they have learned and apply it in the creation of an
electrical gadget. This meeting has been divided into two meetings. However; depending on the variety and
complexity of the gadgets being made this unit may take anywhere from 1 - 4 meetings.
Zappit Zone 1: Design an Electrical Gadget
As the 4-H leader that has worked with the members through the year while they developed their skills, you
are the best one to guide them in the selection of the design/selection of their electrical gadgets. Dependent
on group interest, size and ability, you may wish to direct all members to agree to do the same electrical
gadget (having one each) or you may encourage individuals to create their own unique gadget How the
electrical gadget is designed may vary from project group to project group. Feel free to use a pattern(s) from
a book or website to make a homemade creation, do a "from-scratch" original design(s), The design can be
quite complex or relatively simple. It can fall in any budget range. Custom design this unit to match the needs
of your group. There are many good books at the library or book store with electrical do-it-yourself projects for
kids. Check out the book shelves for some ideas. The internet has a variety of ideas from complex to simple.
"Kids + electricity" and "Science fair projects" are two suggestions for search engine searches. Encourage
members to come up with ideas while surfing the net under parent guidance. Two examples of projects found
were how to create a simple motor (currently at http://geoffegel.tripod.com/motor.htm). and wind-generated
electricity (currently at http://www.otherpower.com/otherpowerfront.shtml).
The 4-H program does not endorse any website or the safety or functionality of their products. It will be at
member’s/leader’s own discretion. Members can be challenged to create their own design. For example, a
flashlight could be built with a paper or plastic tube, light, basic circuit, battery and clothespin switch or a
parallel or series circuit could be wired to bring light to a doll house. Members may wish to bring a small
electric motor into use as this would provide an additional learning experience on how an electric motor
works.
29
Zappit Zone 2: Build an Electrical Gadget (Achievement Day Requirement)
The members have decided what they will make. Now it is time to build the electrical gadget. Remember
safety comes first and that project leaders should check all electrical items produced before they are used.
Sunglasses with windshield wipers
Remote control car
Umbrella with lights
Fan hat for those hot days of summer
Plastic pop bottle motor
Electric Bell
Electromagnet
Members’ Zappit Zone Achievement Day Requirement
Be sure members save their “Electrical Gadget” for display at
Achievement Day.
Zappit Zone 3: Test an Electrical Gadget
Help the member develop a self evaluation of how well their electrical gadget works. The members could
finish the following sentences about their gadget:
I am most proud of………..
If I build my “gadget” again, I would change………….
While building my “gadget”, I learned…………...
Helpful Resources
http://www.privateline.com/kids/projects.html
http://amasci.com
http://www.miniscience.com/
http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/electromagnet.html
Celebrate success!! Have a Gadget Gala and invite all the members’ parents to a party showcasing their gadgets
at work. Write a special note to each member celebrating their unique skills and personality. Setting goals and
accomplishing them within a time frame is a big success story and a reason to celebrate.
30