Summer SAVY, Session 3 Day 2, “Circuitry, Systems, and Design: Electrical Engineering” (3rd-4th)
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back to Circuitry Systems & Design! The sound of pins crashing and the buzz of conversation set the tone this morning as we bowled our way into deeper connections and a fun recap of Day 1. Today marked another exciting step in our journey as budding engineers and scientists. Building on yesterday’s exploration of circuits and the flow of electricity, students dove into the fascinating world of conductors and insulators – materials that either allow or block the flow of electric current. This knowledge is essential for designing safe and efficient electrical systems, especially as students begin planning the infrastructure for their recreational complex.
We began the day by reviewing key concepts from Day 1 and introducing the idea that not all materials interact with electricity in the same way. Students were challenged to predict which materials would conduct electricity and which would not. Using batteries, wires, and bulbs, students tested a variety of everyday items – such as paper clips, plastic straws, marbles, Styrofoam, and pencils to determine their electrical properties. Throughout this hands-on investigation, students recorded their observations, analyzed patterns, and discussed the real-world implications of their findings.
By the end of the day, students could clearly define and distinguish between conductors and insulators. They identified common conductors like metals and common insulators like rubber and plastic, and they began to understand why both are crucial in any electrical system. These discoveries sparked thoughtful conversations about how to apply this knowledge to their own designs for the recreational complex. Students also immersed themselves in Google Earth to investigate gridlines and used SmartDraw Blueprint Maker to design digital blueprints for their recreational centers, ensuring each facility was fully powered. As they planned, they had to carefully manage their budgets, making thoughtful decisions about which components to include without overspending.
💬 Reflection Questions
To help students process and extend their learning, here are some thoughtful questions to discuss at home:
- What was the most surprising material you tested today? Why?
- Why do you think engineers need to understand conductors and insulators when designing buildings or electronics?
- Can you think of a time when using the wrong material could be dangerous in an electrical system?
- How would you explain the difference between a conductor and an insulator to someone younger than you?
- If you were designing a new gadget, what materials would you use for the wires and the outer casing? Why?
🏠 Ask Your Child About…
- Their favorite part of today’s experiment.
- How they tested whether a material was a conductor or an insulator.
- What materials they think should be used in the recreational complex’s electrical system.
- Any new questions they have about electricity or materials science.
🧪 Bonus At-Home Activity (Optional)
Try this simple experiment together!
- Gather a battery, a small bulb, and some aluminum foil or paper clips.
- Create a simple circuit and test different household items (like a spoon, a pencil, or a rubber band).
- Ask: Does the bulb light up? What does that tell us about the material?
This is a great way to reinforce today’s learning and spark curiosity at home!
📚 Looking Ahead
Tomorrow, students will begin applying their knowledge of circuits, conductors, and insulators to design specific electrical systems for the recreational complex. They’ll start planning how to power their complex and other features while considering safety, efficiency, and real-world constraints.
We’re so proud of the curiosity and creativity students are showing. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build our city of the future – one wire at a time!
