Electricity | Substitute Teacher
Students explore how electricity can be produced by chemical reactions and how electricity affects matter through simple, safe observations and discussion. This lesson is designed for a substitute teacher and emphasizes guided inquiry, vocabulary, and hands-on or demonstration-based learning.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Electricity | A form of energy involving moving electric charges. |
| Current | The flow of electric charge through a circuit. |
| Circuit | A closed path that allows electricity to flow. |
| Battery | A device that stores chemical energy and changes it into electrical energy. |
| Conductor | A material that lets electricity pass through easily. |
| Insulator | A material that resists the flow of electricity. |
| Chemical reaction | A process that changes substances into new substances and can release or use energy. |
Display the prompt: 'Where do you see electricity in daily life?' Ask students to write 2 examples.
Write responses quietly and share one example with the class.
Explain that chemistry and electricity are connected because batteries use chemical reactions to make electricity. Briefly review that electricity needs a complete circuit to flow.
Listen, take notes, and answer quick questions.
Introduce the vocabulary words using simple examples and a circuit diagram. Point out battery, wires, bulb, current, conductor, and insulator.
Repeat key terms, define them in their own words, and label a diagram.
If materials are available, model a simple circuit or battery demo. Show how a battery can light a bulb and explain that chemical energy changes to electrical energy. If using the optional safe demo, discuss how different materials can conduct electricity.
Observe, record what they notice, and answer guiding questions such as 'What made the bulb light?' and 'What must be true for electricity to flow?'
Have students complete a short task: draw and label a simple circuit, then write 2-3 sentences explaining how a battery powers a bulb. Circulate to support.
Work independently or with a partner to complete the circuit drawing and explanation.
Ask volunteers to share answers. Correct misunderstandings and restate the main idea: chemical reactions in batteries can produce electricity, but the circuit must be closed.
Share responses and make corrections as needed.
Ask students to answer verbally or in writing: 'What is one thing a battery does?' and 'What is needed for electricity to flow?'
Respond with a sentence or short phrase.
Summarize the lesson: electricity is a form of energy, batteries use chemical reactions to create electrical energy, and electricity only flows in a closed circuit. Thank students and remind them that chemistry helps explain how many everyday electrical devices work.