Electricity Game Fair - Preparation

Students had just a few short days of lessons providing them with basic information about the parts of an atom, how static electricity works, and a visit from KW Hydro about electrical safety. They were then provided a lot of time, a variety of electrical components and materials, and encouraged to explore, experiment and see where it would take them.

Materials provided included: wire, wire strippers, alligator clips, switches, motors, batteries, battery holders and leads, light bulbs, and buzzers. Students were also encouraged to bring in additional materials based on what they wanted to design and try for their game.

This was more of an inquiry or problem-based approach to learning that was very popular with the students and teacher!  Some of the positive feedback from students in the class included:
      "It's more fun than listening; the hands on and trying new things." - N.H. 
      "I learn better when I like what I'm doing.  It was fun. When it didn't work, we knew we                         connected it to the wrong side." - T.F.
      "It was fun because you were working with a partner." - C.S.
      "Improvising what we were doing." - A.C.
      
Also worth mentioning is that over two-thirds of the class did not use their original idea. Many of them actually went through two, three, or even, four or five different ideas before landing on their final game idea. ​