Book Description

Electricity can be easy to understand! A fruitful model of simple electric circuits is developed and applied in these pages. The approach is highly pictorial: electric potential (Volts) and electric current (Amps) are represented by simple diagrams. The student is expected to use these diagrams as the principal mode of analyzing circuits. When algebra and equations are introduced, the student already has an understanding of V, I, R and P from the diagrams. As in all of the Ross Lattner IntuitivScience series, diagrams are an important mode of expression. Parents and teachers, you get one half of the book! We provide solid pedagogical supports, recipes, and methods of presentation. The unit itself is further subdivided into four sections, approximating four weeks of 70-minute classes. 1. Static electricity and the electrical structure of matter 2. Characteristics of electric current, and development of a model of current, potential, resistance and power 3. Mathematical treatment of series and parallel circuits 4. Projects that are either an application of the model or an extensions of the model. At the end of sections 1 - 3 is a thorough quiz, in the same pictorial style. Because this unit involves fundamental forces and concepts, we recommend that it be placed first in the series of the four Ross Lattner Grade Nine Academic IntuitivScience books. In particular, this book should be placed before chemistry.