NGSS Ideas
Five Sites to Introduce Electricity and Circuits
Are looking for good introductory level information on electricity and circuits? Here are links to sites that we have found to contain clear discussions about the basics. They all have content that is appropriate for the fourth grade level energy curriculum specified by the Next Generation Science Standards, and they are good for anyone needing information about how electricity works:
Explainthatstuff.com
This site has lots of good science and technology information that is directed toward kids. There is an electricity page that discusses many facets of electricity including static and current electricity, electromagnetism, and open and closed circuits.
Youtube
It’s not a surprise to find out Youtube has videos that explain electricity. The problem is sorting through them all for a basic description. Here is a video that does just that. It is done in cartoon form and uses lots of good examples that make circuits understandable. For instance, a two-lane parallel highway is used as an example of a parallel circuit. If one lane stops, the other can keep moving just like a parallel circuit. It is directed toward younger kids, but would work as an addition to a fourth grade energy and circuits unit.
Ducksters.com
This is an educational kid’s site that has plenty of topics including a good range of discussions on electricity and circuitry. The site has ads but they aren’t too distracting.
Brainpop
This site has a lot of great videos, games, and puzzles that entertain as well as inform kids about a wide range of subjects. They have a video and set of activities devoted to circuits and another video and activity set devoted to electricity. All of their content is aligned to common core standards. It is a subscription site, but lots of libraries and schools have subscriptions. It also has free content so at least give it a look.
Sparkfun.com
If you are looking for something that you can use to brush up on circuits and then explain it to your kids, try the Sparkfun Guide to Series and Parallel Circuits. It has lots of introductory information as well as more advanced material that would be appropriate for a middle or high school class.