AC or DC - A simple, fun activity to reinforce what the difference is.

Students make a simple paper windmill to demonstrate DC and a folded paper fan to represent AC. The air movement models the electrical energy in one continuous flow or moving back and forth. Resources needed: paper or thin card, hanger wire and a bead (or map pins and sticks to do the same job - see diagram - but note H&S hazard sticking pins into wood). Students read the note on the difference between AC and DC, then make the models and understand that the energy can be delivered with an alternating movement as well as movement in one direction.