Physical Science
Magnetism
Type: C
Grade Level: K-2
Check-Out Time: 2 Weeks
With these magnetism lessons, the student will learn to identify an ore as being magnetic or non-magnetic and learn some of the properties of magnets. There are 5 activities of 10-15 minutes in duration with extension activities. There are modules for grades 3-4 and 5-8 to review these objectives and teach new ones.
Magnetism
Type: C
Grade Level: 3-4
Check-Out Time: 3 Weeks
The lessons in this 3-4 module further develop some of the concepts taught in K-2 and some introduce new concepts. The activities can be taught as separate lessons or combined into a longer lesson. CAUTION: Please go over the rules for proper care and handling of the magnets to prevent damage to sensitive instruments and magnets. Take note of precautions when handling iron filings to prevent injury.
Magnetism
Type: C
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Check-Out Time: 4 Weeks
This module reviews the State Essential Goals and Objectives for magnetism for grades K-4 with the students as peer tutors. It introduces "Generate an Electrical Current with a Magnet," "Make an Electromagnet," and the "Make a Compass" in hands-on activities.
A Colorful World
Subject Area: Matter and Energy Type: A
Grade Level: 3-5
Check-Out Time: 5 Weeks
The color of objects has a powerful effect on a child and is a topic worth exploring in the classroom. The purpose of this unit is to develop the student's ability to identify and distinguish between primary and secondary colors. The students will collect and analyze data leading to an understanding that colors display a wide variety of similarities and differences. The activities range in duration from 1 class period to several days.
Basic Electricity
Subject Area: Matter and Energy Type: A
Grade Level: 5-8
Check-Out Time: 3 Weeks
In these activities, students will investigate the flow of an electric current in a series and parallel circuit. They will demonstrate that a magnetic field is produced as an electric current moves through a conductor. Students will construct a circuit breaker and communicate using Morse code. Each activity in this unit requires 2-3 class periods to complete.
Heat, Sound and Light
Subject Area: Matter and Energy Type: A
Grade Level: 2-4
Check-Out Time: 6 Weeks
This module addresses the key question "What is Energy?" There is a concerted effort to identify forms of energy associated with common phenomena. An attempt is made to tie everything together; that heat, sound and light are forms of energy with common characteristics.
Inclined to Play
Subject Area: Motion of Objects Type: A
Grade Level: 2-4
Check-Out Time: 4 Weeks
This unit is written to help develop the understanding of some scientific principles using something as common and as enjoyable as the playground slide. Through experiences with inclined planes, gravity and friction, the students will discover that there is interaction of energy and matter which determines the nature of their playground environment and the process through which work can be more easily done.
Simple Machines
Subject Area: Motion of Objects Type: A
Grade Level: 5-7
Check-Out Time: 6 Weeks
This unit familiarizes students with the principle of motion and the forces involved when machines do work. The students will understand Newton's Three Laws of Motion and the forces of gravity and friction. They will be able to apply these principles to the work done by simple machines.
Why Does It Matter?
Subject Area: Physical Properties and Changes Type: A
Grade Level: K-4
Check-Out Time: 6 Weeks
This conceptual unit introduces young students to the world of states of matter, as well as, some of the physical properties exhibited by those stages of matter. Topics like density, buoyancy, atoms and molecules are covered to some degree. Some content has been provided although the unit will work well with a supplemental text.