Science of Electricity – Reading

Summary

Overview

Discover how electricity powers the modern world through a clear, engaging reading that explains voltage, current, resistance, and circuits. This activity helps students understand how charged particles move and how energy flows through systems that power homes, schools, and cities. The reading includes comprehension questions for middle school learners and a set of higher-level, critical-thinking questions for high school students to deepen understanding of core science concepts.

Key Concepts and Learning Goals

Learn how electrons move through conductors, how voltage acts as an electric “push,” and how resistance controls current flow. Explore how circuits connect these ideas through series and parallel systems that mirror real-world electrical networks.
Understand how engineers and scientists use these principles to design safe, efficient, and reliable electrical systems. Strengthen comprehension of key physical science topics including energy transfer, conservation, and the relationship between electricity and motion.
Apply reading and reasoning skills to connect science, technology, and everyday life. Reinforce vocabulary and key terms with an included glossary and two sets of comprehension questions designed for different learning levels.

Classroom Integration

Integrate this reading into Earth Science or Physical Science units on electricity and energy transfer. Use it to introduce or extend a STEM-based lesson on circuits, current, and renewable power systems. Teachers can launch class discussions, guide literacy-based activities, or assess student understanding through the included comprehension questions.
This activity is best used as part of the Science of Electricity lesson, providing flexible support for both middle school and high school learners.