Student slideshow: English | Spanish

Teacher printout: English & Spanish

Electrical lights have transformed our world, making it possible to light up the night. But sometimes there can be too much light!

This article talks about light pollution, a problem that’s making it harder and harder for us to see—and study—the night sky.

You can elaborate student learning and engagement with Mystery Science mini-lessons.

• How do batteries work? In this mini-lesson students discover how batteries are able to store energy.

If you are in an NGSS state, this mini-lesson supports the DCI PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer

Historical footage from the 1930s shows how life changed when electricity made its way to rural America. Watch the video (7:32) and talk about the differences between then and now:

How did electricity change life in the home? On the farm?

How did electricity change the lives of men, women, and children?

Could you live without electricity in your house today?

Make a Lemon Battery

All you need are a few lemons, some pennies or copper wire, paper towels, and a nail.

This downloadable PDF from The Tech Museum of Innovation includes information on standards, vocabulary words, and ideas for extended learning. (Grades 4–8)

Challenge: Turning Your Flashlight On and Off

Your light up card works as a flashlight — it’ll let you see in the dark. But you probably want more than that in a flashlight.

Change your flashlight to make it easy to turn on and off. Watch this video for ideas if you get stuck.