Higher:
To explain how a LDR functions to ensure street lights work effectively.
Middle:
To describe how modern day street lighting is more progressive than older formats.
Lower:
To know about the history of street light technology.
Higher:
Evaluate your own street light and explain their use in society.
Middle:
Complete build and then test the street light circuit.
Lower:
Follow simple instructions during the build.
Children to respond to question on presentation:
How do street lights keep us safe? Write down as many ideas as you can in one minute!
Children to create mindmap of ideas.
Presentation starter slide
Mini whiteboard / sticky notes / exercise book
Run through the presentation about street lighting, paying particular attention to how modern day street lighting works and its advantages (safety/reliability/cost) over older street lighting methods.
It is also important to explore the idea of the LDR and how this is vital in saving energy and ensuring street lights function at the right times.
Answer questions and take part in activities during the presentation:
Two key AfL activities / questions:
Discuss with your talk partner why electric lighting, that we use today, is a more effective and efficient system than gas lighting.
Why do you think street lights turn on before sunset? What causes street lights to turn on earlier on cloudy days?
Presentation
Watch today's expert film with...
Build Your Own Street Light
Use the resources from your Twin Science & Robotics kit. Watch the Mission Assignment film for more help with this activity, and follow the method on pages 32 and 33 of your Twin Discovery kit booklet.
Twin Science Discovery Set
USB Port
Light Sensor
Cable LED
Battery
After the build is complete, children are to complete the evaluation Handout. This is designed to ensure the children have understood the building process of the street light as well as the importance of street lighting and LDR systems in society.
Review Rocket Words & Quiz
With their talk partners, the children are to go through the quiz at the end of the presentation and answer the questions.
Handout
Quiz
What are the advantages of modern day methods of street lighting?
How has street lighting advanced over time?
What elements of the street lighting circuits are important?
How does a LDR work?
Marks awarded for:
- Successful build of the circuit, following scientific method and instructions.
- Quiz questions on rocket words
- Strength of written evaluation (marks shown on Handout)
What are the advantages of modern day methods of street lighting?
Choral response / phrase suggestions:
Modern day street lighting is better because...
An LDR works by...
The science behind the science
Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) are fundamental components that enable street lights to work. Without LDRs, street lights wouldn't function automatically.
LDRs have a variable resitance that changes depending on the light intensity that falls upon it. The resistance decreases as the light intensity increases. This allows the device to be used in light-sensing circuits such as those within street lighting systems. Cameras also use LDRs to control their shutter speed.
One of the tasks on the Handout requires students to draw a typical resistance vs. light intensity graph. These graphs will always look the same for street lighting systems, although they do depend on the resistance of the LDR device.
The Twin Science & Robotics kit will provide you with all the equipment you'll need to make your own street lighting set!
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