A boy working with a circuit board

“Electric Excitement,” is the 4-H Electric Energy series. This project will help de-mystify the magic of electric circuits, magnetism, motors and electronics. From making educated guesses and testing them, to building burglar alarms, learning how to select a really good stereo system and other consumer items, this project will get you actively involved in dozens of hands-on, fun activities.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of electric, students will learn

  • about the uses of electricity
  • selecting appropriate materials for your electric project
  • how to build a flashlight or switch
  • test conductivity
  • investigate circuits
  • test materials for magnetism
  • build and test a compass
  • build an electromagnet
  • build a galvanometer
  • build an electric motor

At level 2 of electric, students will learn

  • about Ohm’s Law using a squirt bottle
  • using a Volt-Ohm meter
  • how to read circuit diagrams
  • how to build a circuit measure voltages
  • to build a momentary switch and use it to communicate in Morse code
  • build a three-way switch
  • solder connections
  • build a rocket launcher
  • build a burglar alarm

At level 3 of electric, students will learn

  • basic electrical tool and supply kit
  • interview an electrical inspector
  • learn about electrical codes
  • read an electric meter
  • electric service panels
  • decipher the symbols on wires and cables
  • to select the most appropriate light bulb for specific situations
  • how to read an appliance nameplate
  • measure the electric usage of appliances
  • test for voltage
  • determine if outlets are grounded
  • locate your home wiring system
  • replace a switch and identify what’s on each circuit

At level 4 of electric, students will learn

  • to explore electronics
  • diodes
  • transistors
  • LED’s
  • photocells
  • SCR’s
  • IC’s
  •  amplifiers
  • family of solid-state electronics
  • semiconductors
  • modern-day electronics 

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

M You Decide, 5314

L Helping Them Decide, 5315

L Electric Group Helper’s Guide, BU6852,Youth learn how to conduct an electric skillathon, quiz bowls, electric Bingo and how to calculate amperage.

 

 

Non-Animal Record Books

A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Electric

If you are wanting to explore careers in electric, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.