Summer SAVY, Session 3 Day 4, “Circuitry, Systems, and Design: Electrical Engineering” (3rd-4th)
Dear Students and Parents,
Today in Circuitry Systems & Design, our young engineers took on one of their most important challenges yet: designing the electrical layout for the recreational complex. With a solid understanding of circuits, conductors, insulators, and power flow, students were ready to think like real-world city planners. Their task was to figure out how to safely and efficiently distribute electricity throughout a large, multi-use facility, while also preparing for unexpected events like power outages.
We began the day by allowing students to embark on an electrifying journey into the world of electricity through a series of hands-on experiments that sparked both curiosity and creativity. From constructing simple circuits with batteries and light bulbs to crafting coin-powered batteries and potato-based energy sources, each activity was designed to illuminate the principles of electrical flow and energy conversion. Students explored the science behind conductivity with electric play dough, molding imaginative shapes that lit up with power, and even built a soda can electroscope to detect static charges in their environment. These interactive lessons not only deepened their understanding of how electricity works but also showcased its real-world applications in fun and memorable ways. Students weren’t just learning about electricity; they were harnessing it with their own hands!
We also recapped how electricity is delivered in real cities, from power plants to substations to homes and businesses. Students learned about the structure of a power grid and the role of transformers, switches, and backup systems. This led to a timely and engaging conversation about storms and power outages—something many students had experienced firsthand. We discussed how severe weather, like thunderstorms or ice storms, can damage power lines and disrupt service, and how engineers design systems to minimize the impact of these events. Students shared stories of losing power at home and brainstormed ways to keep essential services running during an outage.
Using this knowledge, students worked in teams to map out the electrical needs of their recreational complex. They identified high-demand areas like gyms, pools, and theaters, and decided where to place power sources, switches, and outlets. They also considered how to route wires safely and how to include redundancy—backup systems that would keep critical areas powered during an emergency. Each team created a detailed blueprint of their complex, labeling key components of power sources and explaining their design choices.
By the end of the day, students had developed thoughtful, well-organized plans for how electricity would flow through their complex. They could explain how their systems would function during normal operation and how they would respond to a power outage. This activity not only reinforced scientific concepts but also encouraged students to think about resilience, safety, and real-world problem-solving.
💬 Reflection Questions for Home
To help students process and extend their learning, here are some questions to discuss together:
- What was the most important decision your team made when designing the electrical layout?
- How did your team plan for a power outage or storm? What backup systems did you include?
- Why is it important to think about safety when designing electrical systems?
- Can you think of a time when your home lost power? What worked well, and what could have been better?
- How do you think engineers prepare cities for emergencies like storms or blackouts?
📚 Coming Up Next…
Tomorrow, students will continue building models and preparing presentations to showcase their designs. We’re so proud of the critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity they’ve shown so far. Their vision for a safe, efficient, and storm-ready recreational complex is coming to life!
