-
5th Grade
- Project
- 2 weeks
Zappy Circuitry: Explore Magnetic Mysteries!
5-PS1-1
3-PS2-3
4-PS3-4
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage 5th-grade students in exploring the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism through hands-on, real-world activities. By constructing atomic models and designing electric circuits, students will deepen their understanding of the invisible forces that shape the world around them. Through collaborative reflection and a theme fair exhibition, students will connect scientific concepts to their everyday experiences, fostering a comprehensive and practical understanding of how matter and energy interact.
Learning goals
Students will develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, including the composition of atoms and the interactions between electric and magnetic forces. They will learn to create models that represent particles too small to be seen and design functional electric circuits, applying scientific ideas to convert energy. Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, students will explore cause and effect relationships and reflect on how these invisible forces impact their everyday lives.
Standards
- 5-PS1-1 - Develop a model to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen.
- 3-PS2-3 - Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
- 4-PS3-4 - Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
Products
Students will create a model of an atom using craft materials, demonstrating their understanding of atomic structure. They will design and construct a simple electric circuit, using conductors and insulators, to illustrate the flow of electrons. As part of the scavenger hunt, students will compile a list of items found and discuss their electrical or magnetic properties. Finally, students will present their circuit projects at the Theme Fair, explaining the principles of electricity and magnetism to peers and visitors.
Launch
Kick off the project with an 'Electricity and Magnetism Scavenger Hunt' where students explore their surroundings to identify items that demonstrate these principles, such as magnets, batteries, and electronic devices. In small groups, students will discuss their findings, focusing on how these items exhibit electric and magnetic interactions. This engaging activity sets the stage for deeper exploration and understanding of the concepts throughout the project.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their understanding of electricity and magnetism at the annual Theme Fair by presenting their group projects. Each group will display their constructed electric circuits, along with models of atoms, and explain the scientific principles behind their designs. They will engage visitors by demonstrating how their circuits work and discussing the real-world applications of electricity and magnetism, highlighting their learning journey through interactive displays and presentations.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch: Electricity and Magnetism Scavenger Hunt - Students explore the classroom to find and discuss items that demonstrate principles of electricity and magnetism, fostering curiosity and setting the context for learning (40 min)
|
Exploring Atomic Structure with Models - Students construct models of atoms using craft materials to understand the composition of electrons, protons, and neutrons, addressing the concept of matter being made of particles too small to be seen (40 min)
|
Introduction to Static Electricity - Students engage in hands-on activities to explore static electricity, observing how charged objects interact and discussing the cause and effect relationships (20 min)
Conductors and Insulators Experiment - Students test various materials to classify them as conductors or insulators, understanding their role in electric circuits (20 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students create a model of an atom using craft materials, demonstrating their understanding of atomic structure.
2. Compile a list of items found during the scavenger hunt, detailing their electrical or magnetic properties. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather craft materials such as Styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners, and markers for atomic model construction.
2. Prepare scavenger hunt clues and a checklist for items related to electricity and magnetism. 3. Set up small group discussion spaces for reflection on scavenger hunt findings. 4. Ensure availability of reference materials on atomic structure and principles of electricity and magnetism. |
||
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Atomic Model Construction Challenge - Students use craft materials to build models of atoms, focusing on electrons, protons, and neutrons, and discuss how matter is made of particles too small to be seen (40 min)
|
Electric Circuit Design Workshop - Students collaborate in groups to design and build a simple electric circuit using conductors and insulators, applying scientific ideas to convert energy from one form to another (30 min)
Circuit Presentation Prep - Groups prepare to present their completed electric circuits to the class, explaining the flow of electrons and how the circuit functions (10 min)
|
Theme Fair Exhibition Setup - Students finalize their presentations and set up their models and circuits for the Theme Fair, ensuring their displays demonstrate electricity and magnetism principles (20 min)
Reflective Discussion - Facilitate small group discussions where students share how their understanding of electric and magnetic forces has evolved, connecting these concepts to everyday experiences (20 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed series and parallel circuit models
2. Presentation of circuit projects |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather circuit kits with batteries, wires, bulbs, and switches for each group
2. Prepare a selection of conductive and insulating materials for building circuits 3. Create a presentation rubric to guide student presentations and self-reflections 4. Set up a space for circuit testing and demonstrations |
||