Electricity

In Natural Science, we are learning about electricty and the scientists who investigated it.  Benjamin Franklin used a metal key and kite string for an experiment.  Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb.  But what exactly is electricty?
Electricity is a form of energy, created when electrons move from one atom to another.  
Below is a video about static electricity.  Static electricity is the movement of electrons between two materials.  Electrons can move easily between materials when we rub them together.  This creates static electricity.

An electrical current is the movement or flow of electrons between atoms.  Some types of matter have electrons that move easily from one atom to another.  We call these electrical conductors.  One example of an electrical conductor is metal.  Wires are made of metal because they are excellent electrical conductors.
Below is a link to an interactive activity about electrical currents and electric circuits.
Electric Current

International Year of Light

On June 12, we will be celebrating a day of light.  This celebrates how important light science is to people all around the world.  Light is an important form of energy that we use in our daily lives.  How do you use light?

 

Here are some cool pictures from NASA for the International Year of Light.

We have just learned about light in science class.  Here is a link with a quick review about light!  Take the quiz and see how well you understand the science of light.

Light Absorption, Reflection, and Refraction

There are many interesting experiments to do at home!  You can follow the instructions for some of these activities in the link below.

Light Activities and Experiments

The links below are different light games to play.  Test them out and see if you are the master of light!

Mirror Light

Save the Light Energy

Light Energy

In natural science, we are learning about light energy.  Remember that light energy is made up of radiation that we can see with our eyes.  Light travels through space in waves. 

Below is a video about light energy and about how we see colors.

Heat and Light

In science we are learning about two forms of energy, heat and light.  Heat describes the amount of thermal energy an object has.  Light allows us to see things, and travels through space and air in waves.

Remember that thermal energy can affect objects in many different ways.  Some objects can expand or move.  Or it can change the state of an object, from solid to liquid, or even from liquid to gas.  For example, think of an ice cube melting in a warm glass of water.  Thermal energy is transferred to the ice cube and the ice melts.

Here is a video to introduce heat energy to us.