4.3 Electricity and Magnetism
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include
a) conductors and insulators;
b) basic circuits (open/closed, parallel/series);
c) static electricity;
d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into heat, light, and mechanical energy;
e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.
The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include
a) conductors and insulators;
b) basic circuits (open/closed, parallel/series);
c) static electricity;
d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into heat, light, and mechanical energy;
e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.
Understanding the Standard
The concepts developed in this standard include the following:
· A continuous flow of negative charges (electrons) creates an electric current. The pathway taken by an electric current is a circuit. Closed circuits allow the movement of electrical energy. Open circuits prevent the movement of electrical energy.
· Electrical energy moves through materials that are conductors (metals). Insulators (rubber, plastic, wood) do not conduct electricity well.
· Among conducting materials, energy passes more or less easily because of the material’s resistance.
· In a series circuit, there is only one pathway for the current, but in a parallel circuit there are two or more pathways for it.
· Rubbing certain materials together creates static electricity.
· Lightning is the discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere.
· Electrical energy can be transformed into heat, light, or mechanical energy.
· Certain iron-bearing metals attract other such metals (also nickel and cobalt).
· Lines of force extend from the poles of a magnet in an arched pattern defining the area over which magnetic force is exerted.
· An electric current creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric current.
· A current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field. Wrapping a wire around certain iron-bearing metals (iron nail) and creating a closed circuit is an example of a simple electromagnet.
· Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, and Thomas Edison made important discoveries about electricity.
· A continuous flow of negative charges (electrons) creates an electric current. The pathway taken by an electric current is a circuit. Closed circuits allow the movement of electrical energy. Open circuits prevent the movement of electrical energy.
· Electrical energy moves through materials that are conductors (metals). Insulators (rubber, plastic, wood) do not conduct electricity well.
· Among conducting materials, energy passes more or less easily because of the material’s resistance.
· In a series circuit, there is only one pathway for the current, but in a parallel circuit there are two or more pathways for it.
· Rubbing certain materials together creates static electricity.
· Lightning is the discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere.
· Electrical energy can be transformed into heat, light, or mechanical energy.
· Certain iron-bearing metals attract other such metals (also nickel and cobalt).
· Lines of force extend from the poles of a magnet in an arched pattern defining the area over which magnetic force is exerted.
· An electric current creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric current.
· A current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field. Wrapping a wire around certain iron-bearing metals (iron nail) and creating a closed circuit is an example of a simple electromagnet.
· Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, and Thomas Edison made important discoveries about electricity.
Book Resources:
Electricity: DK Eyewitness Books
By Steve Parker & Laura Buller. 2005. 72p. DK Children. (978-0756613884).
Grades 3+
Ages 8+
http://tinyurl.com/85moxdk
*Discover the history of electricity.*This book explores electrify in a fun way for students. A great book to use as a group to discuss certain topics pertaining to electricity or to have in a small group for students to explore!
Grades 3+
Ages 8+
http://tinyurl.com/85moxdk
*Discover the history of electricity.*This book explores electrify in a fun way for students. A great book to use as a group to discuss certain topics pertaining to electricity or to have in a small group for students to explore!
Charged Up: The Story of Electricity
By Jacqui Bailey. 2006. 32p. Picture Window Books. (978-1404811294).
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/7jus3qb
*This book looks at the story of electricity. It lets students see how things they observe everyday can be linked to electricity.
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/7jus3qb
*This book looks at the story of electricity. It lets students see how things they observe everyday can be linked to electricity.
The Magic School Bus and The Electric Field Trip
By Joanna Cole & Bruce Degan. 1999. 48p. Scholastic Paperbacks. (978-0590446839).
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/76ka2sj
*The Magic School Bus is great for any age. It engages children and makes them want to learn about the topics the other students are exploring. f*This book shows the children and Mrs. Frizzel going on a field trip and exploring electric currents.
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/76ka2sj
*The Magic School Bus is great for any age. It engages children and makes them want to learn about the topics the other students are exploring. f*This book shows the children and Mrs. Frizzel going on a field trip and exploring electric currents.
The Shocking Story of Electricity
By Anna Claybourne. 2006. 63p. Usborne Books. (978-0794512484).
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/7qzz7uz
*This book is about the story of electricity. It is a bit long but interesting illustrations!
Grades 2+
Ages 7+
http://tinyurl.com/7qzz7uz
*This book is about the story of electricity. It is a bit long but interesting illustrations!
Magnets (Ways into Science)
By Peter D. Riley. 2001. 32p. Orchard/Watts Group. (978-0749639563).
No specific age or grade
http://tinyurl.com/77tyax6
*A basic introduction to physical science and magnets!
No specific age or grade
http://tinyurl.com/77tyax6
*A basic introduction to physical science and magnets!
Magnets (Science Alive!)
By Darlene Lauw & Lim Cheng Puay. 2001. 32p. Crabtree Publishing Company. (978-0778705635).
Grades 3+
Ages 8+
http://tinyurl.com/79mmu9p
*Another book about magnets to share with your students!
Grades 3+
Ages 8+
http://tinyurl.com/79mmu9p
*Another book about magnets to share with your students!
Electricity and Magnetism
By Peter Adamczyk & Paul-Francis Law. 2008. 32p. Usborne Pub. Ltd. (978-0794522179).
Ages 12+
http://tinyurl.com/7shwaux
*This is a more difficult read. Would be a great teacher resource. Share with the class in whole group.
Ages 12+
http://tinyurl.com/7shwaux
*This is a more difficult read. Would be a great teacher resource. Share with the class in whole group.
Study Jams:
*Study Jams:
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/electricity.htm
**Informational clip on ELECTRICITY. Also has a test and vocabulary to use!
http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/electricity.htm
**Informational clip on ELECTRICITY. Also has a test and vocabulary to use!
Interactive Websites:
Electricity Game:
http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/siliconspies/siliconspieslink.htm
Electromagnet Game:
http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/electromagnets/
Create Circuits Online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/podsmission/electricity/annie02.shtml
Printable Worksheets:
All About Circuits:
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/circuits/
Electricity: Sources and Functions
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/electricity-sources-functions/
Electromagnet Word Search:
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/electromagnet-word-search/
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/circuits/
Electricity: Sources and Functions
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/electricity-sources-functions/
Electromagnet Word Search:
http://www.education.com/worksheet/article/electromagnet-word-search/
Assessment:
Electricity and Magnets Millionaire Game:
http://www.quia.com/rr/35935.html