Info I.P

Hands-on Activity: Saltwater Circuit

Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

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A working saltwater circuit. If the circuit conducts electricity, then we know salt is present in the water. If the circuit does not conduct electricity, then no significant amount of salt is present in the water.copyright |

SummaryStudents build a saltwater circuit, which is an electrical circuit that uses saltwater as part of the circuit. Students investigate the conductivity of saltwater, and develop an understanding of how the amount of salt in a solution impacts how much electrical current flows through the circuit. They learn about one real-world application of a saltwater circuit — as a desalination plant tool to test for the removal of salt from ocean water. |

Engineering ConnectionRelating science and/or math concept(s) to engineering |

Electrical engineers design and build small- and large-scale electrical systems. In the circuit design sub-discipline of electrical engineering, engineers use their knowledge of the conductivity of materials to design circuit boards that are used in cell phones, TVs, toaster ovens, computers, and uncountable other devices. Understanding the dangers and opportunities of mixing electricity and water helps engineers design for safety as well as creative measurement tools. |

Contents 1. Learning Objectives 2. Materials 3. Introduction/Motivation 4. Vocabulary 5. Procedure 6. Attachments 7. Safety Issues 8. Troubleshooting Tips 9. Investigating Questions 10. Assessment 11. Extensions 12. Activity Scaling 13. References | |

Grade Level: 8 (7-8) | Group Size: 3 |

Time Required: 90 minutesTwo 45-minute periods | Activity Dependency :None |

Expendable Cost Per Group: US$ 1.25 |

Keywords: circuit, clean water, conductivity, density, deslinate, deslination, desalinize, electric current, electrical current, environmental...