I always like investigations were students build.

This is a nice investigation in which students build a generator. The making of the coils would be time consuming. The longer I teach, the more I appreciate investigations in which student... See More

This is a nice investigation in which students build a generator. The making of the coils would be time consuming. The longer I teach, the more I appreciate investigations in which students have to build their apparatus. My reasoning is that students seem to come to me with fewer experiences. This investigation has students constructing a generator in which they use gravitational potential energy to turn it and generate electricity that is measured with a voltmeter. If you have LEGOS, the cost is minimal.

A Generator for all Generations

Have you ever wondered how electrical power originated in America? By creating their own generators for electrical current, students will get a glimpse into history and basic ways to create... See More

Have you ever wondered how electrical power originated in America? By creating their own generators for electrical current, students will get a glimpse into history and basic ways to create electricity as they observe energy transfers. The authors provide instructions to build generators for around $10 each. Once their devices are constructed, students can use them to understand potential and kinetic energy, electrical energy, energy transfers and design technology. I am the first to admit I have minimal electrical expertise; so if you are in a similar way, skip this one. However, electricity gurus will enjoy and appreciate the ideas shared.