Syllabus for Edison Project (Part 1)

Learning Objectives

Include, but are not limited to the following.  

• Explain who Thomas Edison was
• List some of Thomas Edison's accomplishments
• List the three parts of an electric circuit
• Describe what current is
• Describe a switch and how it works
• Explain current flow, where it come from, and where it goes
• Describe how an electric motor works
• List the properties of sound
• Explain the difference between series and parallel connected components
• Describe and measure resistance
• Describe and measure voltage
• Describe current (students 8-11 do not measure current) Many of my college students blow their meter fuse measuring current, so it's best to wait until students are higher in the curriculum before teaching this skill.  
• Test batteries to see if they are good or bad 
• Describe what a photo resistor is and how it works
• List several ways photo resistors are used in everyday electronics
• Describe a transistor
• Explain how transistors are used
• Describe a mixer circuit and tell where they are found
• Describe what an integrated circuit (IC) is and some jobs it may do
• Explain how music can come from an IC

Learning Events

Based on a holistic approach to learning, opportunities will be taken to introduce math, science, and physics concepts.  When appropriate, biblical concepts such as the power and majesty of God in his creation will be discussed.  Historical figures related to electricity and electronics are included.    

Experiments

The entire Edison Project consists of 320 Experiments that are done using Snap Circuits® from Elenco.  The kit has 750 experiments that can be done.  The Edison Project may one day expand to include all the experiments but currently consists of eight quarter classes.  Each quarter class is eight weeks long and covers 40 exciting experiments.  If you have ever purchased Snap Circuit Kits, you know how light weight the explanations are. Quick Study Labs will fill in the gaps left in the experiments, tell what is happening, describe the components in the experiment, and make the experiment applicable to everyday life when possible.  Students will have a general idea about what goes on in the wonderful, hidden world of electronic circuits and components.  

The experiment titles are:

 There is a weekly test called a Check-Out.  Students can take Check-Outs multiple times and use them as a learning tools for positive reinforcement.  There are two real tests for each section of The Edison Project, one every four weeks.  Students are not allowed to take these tests multiple times.  

All Check-Out scores are available to students to print if desired.  The Big-Check grades are emailed to the email address provided when taking the test.  Parent teachers should Proxy the Big-Checks (tests).  Parent teachers will determine the final grade, Quick Study Labs will give a certificate of completion to all students who have 75% participation or more.  

Each section of The Edison Project covers 40 experiments or learning activities.  Eight weeks of instruction, five lessons per week.  The Edison Project (Part 1) 8-weeks, plus (Part 2) 8-weeks, comprise one full semester of credit.    The Edison Project is a two year program consisting of Edison Project 1 through Edison Project 8, although students can stop at any time.    

Register for The Edison Project!