How To Explain Basic Electronics For Kids

Almost all of our devices and consumer appliances are composed of electronic components. Ipod, PDAs, mobile phones, game consoles and kitchen appliances are designed using electronic circuits and built with components. Electronics is an interesting subject especially for young children who wants to know how things work. They are often driven by curiosity making basic electronics for kids an enjoyable task. Children can be taught to create projects but they need to learn some concepts in basic electronics for kids. Start using teaching these simple concepts:


Circuits

The circuit is like a train track that must be followed by the train. Electricity flows through the circuit which starts at one terminal and ends in another one. There are two types of terminals - positive or negative. Remember this simple concept: negative electrons seek positive electrons. Circuits dictate how and where electricity can flow. Not all Christmas light bulbs go off in case one bulb is busted. That is an illustration of how parallel circuits work. In fact, there are many types of circuits, but the most common ones are simple, series, and parallel.

Currents

There are two different types of currents: alternating current (AC) and /or direct current (DC). The main difference between the two is that DC sends the electricity in a single direction. Case in point, a battery has two ends that must be correctly placed with their right pole to make it work. Houses often use AC because anything can be placed into a socket anywhere for power. When DC is used, the battery is the main power source limiting its application. Never put a DC appliance into an AC outlet.

Switches

Primarily used to regulate the flow of electrical power. You touch a switch to open the circuit, power flows, and the bulb lights up. Aside from switches, a fuse complements switches in regulating the amount of electrical current flowing in a circuit. Once there is overload detected, the fuse blows to safely protect the wiring from fire hazards.

Resistors and inductors

These devices also monitors the flow of electrical power particularly in consumer appliances. Generally, resistors are insulated with a rubber coating. In the case of AC devices, inductors are used to change the current's direction.

Basic electronics for kids provides an interesting venue for young people to bring out their creativity.