Nature of Resistance

Students perform a series of guided activities that illustrate how microscopic and macroscopic features of metals relate to resistance and current flow. Activities include: thermal considerations of resistance, electron drift under an applied voltage, the effect of defects on resistivity, and the effect of length and cross-sectional area on resistance.

Each Kit Includes:

  • 1 Play-Doh

  • 1 pencil

  • 2 colored pencils

  • 1 plastic knife

  • 1 ruler

  • 1 CD case with BBs

  • 2 pieces of metal rod

  • 1 3/4” Play-DohTM resistor form

  • 1 9-volt battery

  • 2 dice

  • 1 kit box

  • 1 multimeter

  • 3 alligator clips

  • 1 Sheet of graph paper

Student resources:

Resistance Student Sheet

Teacher resources:

Resistance Teacher Sheet