Energy Lesson 3 : Generating Michigan's Electricity

Generating Michigan's Electricity 

Students build a model turbine to observe how different energy resources can be used to turn a turbine, inquire how the interaction between a wire and a magnet generates electricity, and investigate the different mix of energy resources used to generate electricity in Michigan, the United States, and the world.

Students answer these essential questions: How are energy resources transformed into the electricity we use in our homes, schools and businesses? Which energy resources are used to generate electricity in Michigan, the United States, and the world?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/Middle School (7-9)

Duration

45 minutes – Classroom setting

Materials

per class

• nail

• hammer

• pop can

• 3-4 self-adhesive plastic index tabs

• scissors

• plastic drinking straw

• plastic coffee stirrer straw or wooden skewer

• water

• ring stand or tripod

• Bunsen burner or gas grill

• ignition device

• oven mitts

• safety glasses

• wire cutters

• wire gauze

• wire strippers (one for teacher or one per group)

• overhead projector

• Investigating the Generation of Electricity (answer key)

• Resource Mix, 2008 (transparency master)

• computer and computer projector (optional)

• Electrical Generation poster

Electrical Generation Poster

• Electricity Generation PowerPoint (optional)

• How Does Electricity Get to Our Homes? PowerPoint (optional)

per small group

• 3-4 self-adhesive plastic index tabs

• plastic drinking straw

• scissors

• plastic coffee stirrer straw or wooden skewer

• plastic bottle or beaker

• water

• plastic dish tub or sink

• insulated thin solid core copper wire (at least 24 inches long)

• cardboard tube

• galvanometer or millimeter

• bar magnet

per student

• safety glasses

• Investigating the Generation of Electricity (student activity)

• Resource Mix, 2008 (student resource)