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Physical Science – Characteristics of Electricity (CE)

Thermal images of people and objects

Thermopower and the Body Heat-Powered Flashlight

STEM Explained

Can your body be a source of electricity generation? Maybe, if you understand heat transfer. Explore this concept through a 2013 invention by a Canadian teen.

City at night with transmission lines

Understanding Electricity Supply and Demand

Backgrounders

Electricity demand changes constantly. Suppliers need to generate more electrical energy when demand is high, and less when demand is low.

Telegraph key used in Metcalfe, Ontario telegraph office (Ingenium)

Telegraph Key

Interactives

The telegraph works by transmitting signals through an electrical circuit. Learn more and print your own telegraph key using this 3d model of a real artefact.

Bacteria can be used to generate electricity

Microbial Fuel Cells

STEM Explained

In a few decades, some of the electricity you use might be generated by bacteria.

Drop tower ride

How is Lenz's Law Used in Drop Tower Rides?

STEM Explained

How do magnetic fields help you get down safely from the top of a drop tower ride? Learn how electromagnetic induction works at the amusement park.

Carillon Hydroelectric Power Station, Saint-André-d'Argenteuil, Quebec

Generating Electricity: Hydroelectric Power

STEM Explained

Learn how moving water can be used to generate electricity. This is called hydroelectric power generation.

How can I move water with just a comb?

How can I move water with just a comb?

Hands-on Activities

Have you ever experienced static electricity? Like when you pull a wool sweater over your head in the winter? See what else static electricity can do in this hands-on activity.

Energy-saving light bulbs are a great way to save money at home

Energy Efficiency at Home

STEM Explained

If you understand heat transfer, you can make lots of little changes at home to help the environment and your household’s bank account!

Wind turbines with energy storage system

Can You Store Electricity for Later?

STEM Explained

Sometimes, power plants make too much electricity. Energy storage technologies can help! They store the extra electricity and release it when demand goes up.

Birds flying near a wind farm

Are wind farms a threat to wildlife?

STEM Explained

Wind power is a growing source of electricity generation. But wind projects often affect local wildlife populations, and researchers are using environmental monitoring techniques to alleviate some of these impacts.

3.7 V lithium-ion battery

How does a lithium-Ion battery work?

STEM Explained

Learn about the electrochemistry in the batteries that power many of the devices you use every day.

Schuyler Kahgee - Industrial Millwright Apprentice

Schuyler Kahgee (Video)

Career Profiles

Industrial Millwright

Schuyler Kahgee is an Industrial Millwright, located in Ontario.
Kevin Hill - Regional Maintainer Forestry

Kevin Hill (Video)

Regional Maintainer

Kevin Hill is a Regional Maintainer, located in Ontario.
Ethan Ma | Ingénieur en vision artificielle

Ethan Ma

Career Profiles

Machine Vision Engineer

Ethan Ma is a machine vision engineer for Taymer International.
Kevin Hill | Agent d’entretien régional en foresterie

Kevin Hill

Career Profiles

Regional Maintainer (Forestry)

Kevin Hill is a Regional Maintainer (Forestry) for Hydro One.