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Tesla Coils and 1st / 2nd Graders

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LAN_403

HV Enthusiast

Wed Mar 12 2014, 02:41PM

Registered Member #15 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068

Hey all,

I'm volunteering with the local boy scouts and going to give some Tesla Coil / High Voltage demonstrations to about 20 different cub scout dens which will consist mostly of 1st and 2nd graders.

Does anyone have any ideas on what a good science lesson to include with these demonstrations that would work well with 1st and 2nd graders and something they can relate to?

Thanks

Here is a little circus bigtop music which will be used for the demo.

Houdini0118

Wed Mar 12 2014, 03:14PM

Registered Member #8558 Joined: Thu Dec 06 2012, 11:38PM
Location: usa
Posts: 57

Most Tesla coil physics is going to be way above their head. If you can do something along the lines of engineers build cool stuff it will probably go better.

Feathers

Wed Mar 12 2014, 05:52PM

Registered Member #10052 Joined: Thu Feb 07 2013, 11:31PM
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
Posts: 78

Break it down. Explain electrons, how they flow to do stuff, how they hate eachother, and why they jump off the top of the machine.

Draw analogies to the noise the tesla coil produces, and thunder from real lightning.

Its not concepts that confuse them, its terminology.

I run demos at school science nights, and some of the science teachers REALLY get on my nerves, because they use unfamiliar terms like peak voltage, charge distribution, etc. I even caught a presenter trying to explain impedance to a group of 3rd - 5th graders.

They were acting like it was their job to impress kids, not teach them. Most people, for some reason, want science nights and related events to dazzle kids like a magic show.

We need to show them the cool stuff, then remove the magic from it. Let them know that its possible for them to understand the basic physics of whats happening.

They won't be able to wrap their heads around things like alternating current, so generalize. The coils stuff electrons in to the top of the machine, and they hate eachother, so they jump off.

HV Enthusiast

Thu Mar 13 2014, 11:54AM

Registered Member #15 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068

Thats good information guys! Thanks for your feedback. I will doing some thinking and come up with something. I think maybe a presentation on sound and sound waves might be good.

Cheezey

Fri Mar 14 2014, 01:37AM

Registered Member #28483 Joined: Fri Jul 12 2013, 09:00PM
Location:
Posts: 29

You could also do a bit of explanation on why sparks jump to a grounded object - maybe explain that electrons want to go back to their source so they take the easiest path there.

I would've killed to see a Tesla coil at that age - they're gonna love it :D

E.TexasTesla

Sat Mar 15 2014, 10:52PM

Registered Member #4362 Joined: Sat Jan 21 2012, 03:44AM
Location: Texas
Posts: 98

I'm the scoutmaster for a group of boyscouts age 11-18 but I have been around the younger ones.
Your best bet if to use CFLs or long fluorescent bulbs to get the WOW! COOL! factor.

Also I have a MIDI file from the portal game that all gamers recognize.
Runs good on the "onetesla" coil.

Sulaiman

Sun Mar 16 2014, 12:36AM

Registered Member #162 Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 10:25AM
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 3140

yes, definitely go for the WOW! factor,
detailed explanations are probably not encouraging,
if they are interested give them some URL's.

I guess arcs to a small tree branch (in moist soil/earthed) would show why NOT to go under a tree during a lightning storm, especially if you can ignite the wood. !

maybe little human-like figures with a neon lamp to indicate field strength?

a miniature kite on a conductive 'string', preferably held by a combustible human-like miniature.

a horizontal conductor simulating railway overhead power lines or power grid lines.

if you are confident, get one of the scouts to use a 'chicken stick' to draw arcs,

explosions, arcs, flames ... all good stuff.

quicksilver

Mon Mar 17 2014, 05:42PM

Registered Member #1408 Joined: Fri Mar 21 2008, 03:49PM
Location: Oracle, AZ
Posts: 679

Analogies are very important. Interpretations of words to everyday objects, characteristics, or actions are things easily understood.
You are essentially doing something so productive and has such a wonderful impact that it's tough to dramatize what that would yield in several years. The West has a woeful lack of people interested in science & mathematics: often because of inappropriate teaching methods.
Not to be overly dramatic, but the things you do can shape the future. We give a subtle (& sometimes no so subtle) message that science or math is "not for girls" or it's "boring". When you put together something that captures young minds your contribution to society in general is level of magnitude above a teacher who is in it for an easy paycheck & benefits. Remember that many kids are bombarded with stimuli - so that is often what they are used to. Attempt to "read" your audience. They are used to being showered with entertainment: therefore many times you have to "sneak in" the learning by (carefully) getting them actively involved. At that age girls mature much faster than boys: do your best to understand that. Do your best not to crowd too many concepts too quickly in your dialog.
I think what you are doing is seriously wonderful.

HV Enthusiast

Tue Mar 18 2014, 12:36AM

Registered Member #15 Joined: Thu Feb 02 2006, 01:11PM
Location:
Posts: 3068

Awesome tips guys! Thanks

I may definitely stick with the WOW factor. I know as a child things that were demonstrated that were really cool left an impression in mind more than any explanation.

I'll probably take some cool LED light-up things, a Van de Graaf generator so they can "feel" the electricity and static charge, two Tesla Coils, my Body Light Electrical Conduction demo, and some other odds and ends. Just keep it simple and cool - make it as hands-on as possible.

Thanks again everyone for your tips and advice!

Ash Small

Tue Mar 18 2014, 12:34PM

Registered Member #3414 Joined: Sun Nov 14 2010, 05:05PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4245

Personally, I'd start things off with a Jacob's ladder, just for the 'WOW'factor, and then bring in some 'science', and finish with a TC and fluorescent tubes, etc.

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