Transformers

This week you will learn all about transformers.

Watch this video about Transformers

What is a transformer? A transformer is a static device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through the process of electromagnetic induction. It is most commonly used to increase (step up) or decrease (step down) voltage levels between circuits.

Resources

Electrical 4 U – All about Transformers
Travel Transformers and Converters
BEST Kit
Transformers – The Movie
Countries with 110 vs 220 Volts
How Transformers Work

Research/Reflect/Brainstorm

Get with your team members and put your heads together to make a list of places where you might find transformers in your home, school, or neighborhood. Examine your list and discuss why you think there are transformers in these places. Refer back to last week’s lesson about electrical safety for help.

Countries around the world use different amounts of voltage; either 110V or 220V. Research and create a list of countries that use 110 vs 220 volts. This research can come in handy if you travel out of the United States this summer.

Activity

Invite your school district’s head of maintenance to come to your school and show you where some of the transformers in your school are. Ask questions about the need for the transformers in your school.
Choose 5 countries you would like to visit and see what voltage they use. What kind of equipment would you need in order to use your electronics when traveling to these different countries? Include items like, laptops, cell phones, cameras and any other devices you might take with you.

BEST Connection

1. 1. Inspect the components of your BEST kit and see if there are any transformers in the kit. If you are new to BEST and you don’t have a kit, could there be a use for a transformer? If there was a transformer in the kit, would it cause any danger to humans or the electrical components?
2. BEST promotes teamwork. Forming a team that works well together is very important. As you are now forming your team for next year, conduct team building and trust exercises and talk about transformers. Watch the Transformers movies and write down how they work together as a team to accomplish a task.

Community Connection

There are transformers everywhere in your community. Contact your local city energy provider and find out how they use transformers. Your local city energy and waste department might have this information for you.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s Taxonomy: create, explore, evaluate, generate, include, identify, list, observe, reflect, review, use, and write

Workforce Skills

Critical thinking, materials evaluation, reading comprehension, science, writing, research