1. Grade 10 Physics& Environmental Science Student Name:
Current Electricity
“I used to think… now I think…”
What is current electricity, how is it generated and how does it cause work?
Write a short blog post that outlines the processes above. Include both “I used to think..” and “Now I
think…”
Cite all sources you use with the APA format (link to resources here). This written task is due posted
on your blogs by:
Criterion B: Communication in Science
Level Level descriptor
0 The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student uses a limited range of scientific language correctly.
The student communicates scientific information with limited effectiveness.
When appropriate to the task, the student makes little attempt to document sources of information.
3–4 The student uses some scientific language correctly.
The student communicates scientific information with some effectiveness.
When appropriate to the task, the student partially documents sources of information.
5–6 The student uses sufficient scientific language correctly.
All relevant terms defined and/or used clearly in context
The student communicates scientific information effectively.
A clear and correct outline of current electricity, showing cause-effect
Choice of explanations is clear and effective
When appropriate to the task, the student fully documents sources of information correctly.
Minimum three reliable, cited sources
“I used to think…”
Set up a simple circuit with a hand generator, wires and a bulb and/or fan. Before researching, try to
explain your thinking here – how does it work? What is happening to make the fan turn/ bulb glow?
What happens when you change direction or go faster? Why?

2. Grade 10 Physics& Environmental Science Student Name:
Current Electricity
“Now I think…”
You may need to use and define the following key terms in the passage: current electricity, magnetic
field, electrons, energy, voltage, resistance, work.
The following simulations may be helpful, but you will need to allow Java to run:
PhET Lab: Faraday’s Electromagnet http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/faraday
PhET Lab: Generator http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/generator
PhET Lab: Circuit construction http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/circuit-construction-kit-dc
Molecular Expressions: resistance in a filament (how a bulb glows):
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/electromag/java/filamentresistance/
If you really ‘get it’ you will be able to identify two components which must be present if we are to
be able to generate electricity (with the exception of solar power). Whether it’s coal, oil, nuclear,
hydroelectric or another source, we need this to happen to create a current.
References
There are no sources in the current document.