Science of Electricity – Starter Pack
Summary
Six key vocabulary terms from the Science of Electricity video such as silicon, generator, turbine, and more, are paired with definitions, examples pulled directly from the video, and a four-question multiple choice quiz (click here for the Kahoot). Students complete the vocabulary section while watching, then check comprehension with the quiz. Works as a stand-alone companion to the video or as part of a broader electricity unit at the middle school or introductory high school level.
Bell Ringer
Instructions: Answer the prompt provided by your teacher.
Vocabulary
Instructions: Watch the Science of Electricity video and listen for the vocabulary words.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon | noun; A natural element from sand and rocks that can act as a semiconductor, used in electronics and solar panels to help turn sunlight into electricity. | “This [way] uses silicon – like in a computer chip – to turn light into electricity.” |
| Computer chip | noun phrase; a tiny electronic part typically made of silicon that processes or stores information in computers and other devices | “This [way] uses silicon – like in a computer chip – to turn light into electricity.” |
| Generator | noun; a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy | “The other 99% comes from generators.” |
| Copper | noun; a metal that easily conducts electricity and is used in wires and motors | “A generator is just magnets surrounding a core of coil wire, usually copper.” |
| Coil | noun; a loop or series of loops of wire, often used in electric devices to create a magnetic field | “The coil turns within the generators and makes electricity…” |
| Turbine | noun; a machine that spins when water, air or steam flows through it to generate electricity | “Water makes steam, and steam turns the turbine.” |
Quiz
Instructions: Circle the correct answer based on what you learned in the Science of Electricity video.
Q1. According to the video, 99% of the world’s electricity is produced using which of the following?
- Silicon
- Copper wire
- Generators
- Solar
Q2. Which of the following correctly shows the sequence of how heat is used to generate electricity, according to the video?
- Silicon chips heat up in sunlight; a turbine transfers heat to boil water; steam produces electricity.
- Heat boils water to make steam; steam turns a turbine, which runs a generator to make electricity.
- Sunlight heats silicon chips; silicon chips produce steam; steam turns turbines to make electricity.
- Copper coil heats up in sunlight; a turbine transfers heat to boil water; steam produces electricity.
Q3. According to the video, what percentage of the world’s electricity comes from water flowing through a dam (hydropower)?
- 4%
- 24%
- 16%
- 58%
Q4. Which of the following lists common sources of heat used by large power plants to generate electricity, according to the video?
- silicon chips, coal, or nuclear
- natural gas, copper wire, or coal
- coal, natural gas, or nuclear
- sunlight, silicon chips, or geothermal