Did you know that the computer “bug” got its name from a short circuit caused by an insect that crawled into one of the very first computers to keep warm?
In this turnkey project spread over three workshops, young computer scientists first learn to build series and parallel circuits, then put that knowledge to work by making their own “electric tablet” out of a cardboard folder!
A great way to make new knowledge stick!
How it runs:
Visit 1: Electrical circuits (60 or 75 minutes).
Visit 2: Building the electric tablet (60 or 75 minutes).
Visit 3: Finishing the electric tablet (60 or 75 minutes).
Learning goals (elementary)
- Use the parts of a simple circuit (wires, power source, bulb, switch) to build the electric tablet.
- Understand how series, parallel, closed and open circuits work and what they are used for.
- Read diagrams that use symbols.
- Think through mistakes to find their cause.
