Writing tips & more!
Electricity
Activities with electricity can be dangerous, of course, but there is the old standby – static electricity. While under some circumstances, static electricity can be extremely hazardous, small amounts are fun for kid activities. Many people will remember rubbing a balloon on your head and then watching your hair stand up straight.
Static Electricity
Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. The charge remains until it can move away as an electric current or by electrical discharge. The word “static” is used to differentiate it from current electricity, where an electric charge flows through an electrical conductor. (from Wikipedia)
For youngsters, there is nothing like music to make learning a concept exciting. Composer Sherri Boekweg is a singer/songwriter from Utah, and this video gives a great and catchy explanation.
From the Minnesota Children’s Museum comes Three Fun Static Electricity Experiments to Do at Home. Bending water, separating pepper and salt, and can races are like magic – educational and entertaining.
Etch-A-Sketch
One toy that has been around for 60 years is based on static electricity. According to the Strong National Museum of Play, it was invented in the 1950s by French electrical technician André Cassagnes. The silvery screen is aluminum particles and plastic beads that are removed by a stylus to make marks. Static charges hold the mixture of aluminum powder and tiny plastic beads to the screen and shaking it erases the lines.
Science journal
I am a huge advocate for science journals for all ages. The journals really bring in the STEAM concepts that can include writing, art, and design. Journal keeping involves planning, observation, communication, research and referencing, and much more, especially if children construct their own journals. I have included book making in past posts.
For older students, The California Academy of Sciences offers a step-by-step guide to setting up a science notebook, including Strategies for Reflection and Notebook Stories. Being flexible with content makes it more meaningful to students. Let them express opinions and observations.
https://www.calacademy.org/educators/setting-up-your-science-notebooks
Teacher Lessons
One of my favorite sites for teachers is Teachers Pay Teachers. Here are some offerings.
Designing an electrical safety poster.
Some rules for designing posters. This page is about designing environmental posters but it has practical information about target audience, visuals, and text.
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/kids/activities/be-a-scientist/design-a-poster
https://www.twinkl.com/resource/design-an-electrical-safety-poster-activity-t-sc-1711982676
Twinkl is a new site for me. The website says:
Experienced educators, professional graphic designers, and market-leading illustrators creating award-winning K-12 resources for use at school and home.
A basic membership is free but you can subscribe to a Premium Account. I don’t know anyone who is a member so I am not recommending, simply making readers aware of its existence. Like anything online, take care.
Margo Lemieux – is an author, illustrator, former art professor, and, even though retired, still does all those things and more.
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