One of the things I learned about at the NSTA (National Science Teachers' Association) were these amazing energy balls (you can buy them here). I purchased a few for my classroom and decided to use them as an Engagement activity to introduce our FOSS energy unit. I am so glad that I did, as my students were absolutely enthralled and engaged!
The Energy Ball is a fun, easy, and safe way to introduce students to the power of electricity!
On the outside of the Energy Ball are two metal strips. If you touch these strips with your fingers, the ball will start buzzing and flashing a red light. This happens because they have created a closed circuit when they touch the strips.
I handed out the energy balls to my students and let them try them out a bit (without telling them to much). "What are these?" They wondered.
At first, nothing seemed to be happening.
But eventually, group by group, they discovered the magic and were able to light them up.
Then my little scientists started testing out theories about how to make it work.
If we touch hands it turns on, but if we let go...
the ball turns off.
At first they thought it only worked with their hands, but then a few tried some other places...
like their faces! LOL!
We discovered it even worked with more than two people.
They work with other items too! Of course we had to test EVERYTHING!
Impromptu science "notebooks" even appeared on their desks without any teacher input! I LOVE when they pay attention and transfer what they have learned!
This was hands down one of my best science lessons so far, and I can't wait to delve into the ideas I learned even more!
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