Electric Circuits (4th grade)

Students are first introduced to the basic properties of electricity as they learn about electric circuits and the parts of a light bulb. Next, students learn about conductors and insulators and about the symbols used to represent the parts of a circuit in circuit diagrams. Students also explore different kinds of circuits, learn about switches, construct a flashlight, and investigate the properties of diodes. Finally, students apply their knowledge and skills to wire a cardboard house.

 

Trainer Tips:

• "What's wrong with the Circuit?" What to look for when trouble shooting problems:
  1) look to ensure wires are hooked up properly and securely
  2) check batteries and holders (check connections and positive to negative order)
  3) ensure bulb is screwed in tightly and touching the metal plate
• Diodes and Transistors - A diode allows current to flow in only ONE direction. It is a device that blocks current in one direction while letting current flow in another direction. Diodes can be used in a number of ways. For example, a device that uses batteries often contains a diode that protects the device if you insert the batteries backward. The diode simply blocks any current from leaving the battery if it is reversed -- this protects the sensitive electronics in the device. Diodes are also used to provide a fixed "reference voltage" from a supply voltage that varies. They are widely used in regulated power supply circuits.
• The Final Assessment - Use the houses as a procedural knowledge assessment.  (They have to use ALL of their knowledge that they learned throughout the unit.)  Make up your own declarative knowledge assessment with vocabulary and a tie-in to the standard of "energy".

“You can see the cause and effect – not just someone telling you – like the electric circuits. We built flashlights and we had to complete the circuit correctly or it wouldn’t turn on. If it didn’t work, you had to figure out why, not just read about it.” said Greta Pearson, former Green Bay, Wisconsin student, who now has a degree in Aquatic Biology & Broad Field Science from UW Superior, and is currently working part-time for the college on plant research for the Pokegama Reserve (wetland).

Interactive Activities for the Electric Circuits unit (Media - Movies - How a Light Bulb Works)

Additional Photos

Electric Circuits Storyline (pdf)

Supplemental Literacy Lists

Teacher Recommended Resources

Recommended Websites

Sponsored By

This unit is generously sponsored by American Transmission Company and Wisconsin Public Service. For more information for educators or on kids and safety, including games, information for kids, parents, and teachers, go to http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/news/educator.aspx or http://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/safetyforkids/landing.html.

American Transmission Company

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation