What are ways to learn/play with electricity at 6 years of age?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on effective ways to introduce electricity and electronics to children as young as six years old. Participants recommend using kits like Snap Circuits, which provide a structured way to learn about components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors through hands-on activities. The Snap Circuits Jr. Set is highlighted for its ease of use, allowing children to build circuits safely with adult supervision. Additionally, visits to science museums, such as the Exploratorium in San Francisco, are suggested to enhance learning through interactive exhibits.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes.
  • Familiarity with hands-on learning tools like Snap Circuits.
  • Ability to provide adult supervision and guidance during experiments.
  • Knowledge of safe practices when working with electricity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Snap Circuits Jr. Set for structured learning about electricity.
  • Explore local science museums for interactive exhibits on electricity and electronics.
  • Investigate DIY projects involving simple circuits using batteries and basic components.
  • Learn about the principles of electromagnetism through hands-on experiments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for parents, educators, and anyone interested in introducing young children to the fundamentals of electricity and electronics in a safe and engaging manner.

  • #31
fluidistic said:
and a vague notion about complex numbers
Expect a note from the school teacher some day soon about him calling numbers imaginary.
 
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  • #32
Mark44 said:
Capacitors are also called condensers, but not "condensators," at least not in English. Back in the days when cars had points ignitions, a condenser was part of the ignition system, along with a coil.
Cars are - correct that - were a good source to learn about stuff - fluid dynamics ( hand out the window feeling the moving air ), sound ( honking the horn when your dad has his head under the hood ), and electricity ( when he got you back by telling you to hold this plug wire and see if it sparks ).
 
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  • #33
Mark44 said:
Capacitors are also called condensers, but not "condensators

If, in UK English, one can orientate (instead of orient) oneself, I see no reason why a Leyden jar cannot condensate charge.......who invented this language!?
 
  • #34
hutchphd said:
If, in UK English, one can orientate (instead of orient) oneself, I see no reason why a Leyden jar cannot condensate charge.......who invented this language!?
I'd judge orientate and condensate (as a verb) as back formations, namely words formed unnecessarily from longer words such as the nouns orientation and condensation.

Condensate, as a noun, is a word, but two online dictionary definitions that I looked at list it only as a noun, not a verb. There is no need for "orientate," since "orient" (verb) has exactly the same meaning and has the advantage of being shorter. Unfortunately, it will probably creep into the language.
 
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  • #35
hutchphd said:
I see no reason why a Leyden jar cannot condensate charge.......who invented this language!?
Two guys named Bose and Einstein? :wink:
 
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  • #36
Perhaps something like this. I'm not sure if this would be considered a "snap" circuit, but what is talked about in this video by Steve Mould seems like it might be useful for younger ages.
 
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  • #37
You have a lot of good suggestions in the earlier posts. Do not worry about inductors, and capacitors. A six-year old is not (likely) ready for Ohm's law, impedance, phasors, and differential equations.
 
  • #38
Regarding touching a 9 volt battery to the tongue. This seems harmless and I did it hundreds of times, but when I got older, I used to listen to the radio with a rechargeable 9-volt battery. The instructions on the battery warned, do not carry in your pocket where coins can short the battery and produce burns. I never got burns but they did get uncomfortably warm. I would not want that on my tongue.
 

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