"It's A Wired World" is formatted for use either in cooperative learning groups, or to support teacher presentations in classrooms or informal settings. Some of the activites require special materials.
This is a complete list of the materials needed to perform the experiments in the booklet. This list gives quantities for a single group or teacher. Simply multiply by the number of groups to find how much you will need for a full class. Where relevant, this materials list includes Radio Shack part numbers for ease of purchase in North America. These are included as a convenience, not as an endorsement of Radio Shack. Comparable materials are available from other sources, such as your local hardware store.
| Quantity | Item | Radio Shack Part Number |
| HARDWARE | ||
| 1 | Lamp holder | 272-357 |
| 1 | Lamp (2.47V) | 272-1132A |
| 1 | Lamp (6.3V) OPTIONAL* | 272-1130A |
| 1 | Battery holder | 270-386 |
| 2 | D cell batteries | 23-550 |
| 6 ft | Copper wire (18-22 gauge) | 278-1225 |
| 6 in. | Heavier copper wire (14-16 gauge) | |
| 8 | Alligator clips | 270-346B |
| 2 | Nails (12 or 16 penny) | |
| 2 | Brass fasteners | |
| OTHER MATERIALS | ||
| 4 | Paper clips (can be assorted sizes) | |
| Tape | ||
| 1 | Glass pint or quart jar | |
| 2 | Pieces of cardboard or cardstock (3" x 5") or larger | |
| Salt | ||
| Water | ||
| 8 colors | Yarn (about 4' of each color) | |
| 1 | Shoebox or other small box | |
| Art supplies, such as scissors, tape, glue, pencils, crayons, rulers, drawing paper, construction paper |
NOTES
- A lamp is a light bulb.
- Although not necessary the lamp holder specified above has screw terminals which makes it easy to attach wires.
- *About the experiment on page 5, Electricity and Water: The resistance of the salt water means you will have to use more voltage than you would otherwise to get the bulb to light brightly. If you touch the nails together, you may burn out the bulb instantly if the voltage is too high for it. This is the reason you might want to use a higher voltage lamp.
- Jumper leads (RS# 278-1156) are slightly more expensive, but easier and faster than alligator clips because jumper leads already have wires attached to the clips.