Electricity & Magnetism
The Fifth Grade unit on electricity and magnetism concentrates on exploring information related to the traits and qualities of electricity. The students will learn about the flow of electrons to produce current and electro-magnetic fields. The class starts the unit learning about the nature of electricity by experimenting with and generating static electricity. Students will also make and use electro-magnetic field coils to test their projects as they explore how conductors, resistors and semi-conductors carry electricity. The children will learn about closed and open circuits as they test zinc/carbon and saltwater batteries, lemon batteries and Volta's copper zinc battery. We will finish the unit by learning about the difference between voltage and amperage. The children will learn of the dangers associated with 110 and 220 volt electricity and safety concerns related to working around electricity.
Focus
• Investigate static electricity
• Compare/contrast electricity and magnetism
• Construct an electromagnet
• Design a simple electric circuit
• Identify characteristics of good conductors and good insulators
• Investigate static electricity
• Compare/contrast electricity and magnetism
• Construct an electromagnet
• Design a simple electric circuit
• Identify characteristics of good conductors and good insulators
Websites to Further Explore:
Physics for Kids' Electricity and Magnetism
Science Made Simple - Static Electricity
Electricity Book
Electricity Choice
Explain that Stuff! How magnetism works
Alliant Energy - All about Electricity
Electricity: Heat, Light and Motion
Web Games to Try:
The Blobz Guide to Electric Circuits
BBC Bitesize Electrical Conductors
BBC Bitesize Magnets
Science Kids - Completing the Circuit
What is static electrcity? - BrainPop Movie
How do magnets work? BrainPOP Movie
Physics for Kids' Electricity and Magnetism
Science Made Simple - Static Electricity
Electricity Book
Electricity Choice
Explain that Stuff! How magnetism works
Alliant Energy - All about Electricity
Electricity: Heat, Light and Motion
Web Games to Try:
The Blobz Guide to Electric Circuits
BBC Bitesize Electrical Conductors
BBC Bitesize Magnets
Science Kids - Completing the Circuit
What is static electrcity? - BrainPop Movie
How do magnets work? BrainPOP Movie