Syllabus for Edison Project (Part 1)
Learning Objectives
Include, but are not limited to the
following.
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Explain who Thomas Edison was
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List some of Thomas Edison's
accomplishments
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List the three parts of an electric circuit
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Describe what current is
-
Describe a switch and how it
works
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Explain current flow, where it come from, and where it goes
-
Describe how an electric motor works
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List the properties of sound
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Explain the difference between series and parallel connected components
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Describe and measure resistance
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Describe and measure voltage
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Describe current (students 8-11
do not measure current) Many of my college students blow their meter fuse
measuring current, so it's best to wait until students are higher in the
curriculum before teaching this skill.
-
Test batteries to see if they are good
or bad
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Describe what a photo resistor is and how it works
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List several ways photo resistors are used in everyday electronics
-
Describe a transistor
-
Explain how transistors are
used
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Describe a mixer circuit and tell where they are found
-
Describe what an integrated
circuit (IC) is and some jobs it may do
-
Explain how music can come from an IC
Learning Events
Based on a holistic approach to
learning, opportunities will be taken to introduce math, science, and physics
concepts. When appropriate, biblical concepts such as the power and majesty
of God in his creation will be discussed. History topics will also be
discussed including, but not limited to, Thomas Edison and some of his
inventions.
Experiments
Experiments 1 through 40 in the
textbook that comes with the Snap-Kit 202 from Radio Shack are covered in Edison Project
(Part 1). If you have ever purchased experiment books from Radio Shack,
you know how light weight the explanations are. This is were the meat of our
instruction will come in. We fill in the gaps left in the experiments,
tell what is happening, describe the components in the experiment, and make the
experiment applicable to every day life when possible. Students will have a
general idea about what goes on in the wonderful, hidden world of electronic
circuits and components.
The experiment titles are:
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Electric Light and Switch
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DC Motor and Switch
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Hear the Motor
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Adjusting Sound Level
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Lamp and Fan in Series
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Lamp and Fan in Parallel
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Light Emitting Diode
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One Direction for LED
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Conduction Detector
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Space War Alarm Combo
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Flying Saucer
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Decreasing Saucer Lift
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Two-Speed Fan
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The Fuse
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Musical Doorbell
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Momentary Alarm
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Alarm Circuit
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Laser Gun
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Space War
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Light Switch
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Paper Space War
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Light Police Siren
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More Loud Sounds
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More Loud Sounds (II)
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More Loud Sounds (III)
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More Loud Sounds (IV)
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The Transistor
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The Transistor (II)
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The Transistor (III)
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The Transistor (IV)
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Sound Mixer
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Sound Mixer (II)
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Sound Mixer (III)
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Sound Mixer (IV)
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Space Battle
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Silent Space Battle
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Periodic Sounds
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Blinking Double Flashlight
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Motor-controlled Sounds
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More Motor Sounds
There is a weekly test called a
Check-Out. Students can take Check-Outs multiple times and use them as a
learning tools and positive reinforcement. There are two real tests for
each section of The Edison Project, one every four weeks. Students are not
allowed to take these tests multiple times.
All Check-Out scores are available
to students to print if desired. The Big-Check grades are emailed to the
email address provided when taking the test. Parent teachers
should Proxy the Big-Checks (tests). Parent teachers will determine the
final grade, Quick Study Labs will give a certificate of completion to all
students who have 75% participation or more.
Each section of The Edison Project
covers 40 experiments or learning activities. Eight weeks of instruction,
five lessons per week. The Edison Project (Part 1) 8-weeks, plus (Part 2)
8-weeks, comprise one full semester of credit. The Edison
Project is a two year program consisting of eight parts although students can
stop at any time.