Unlock the mysteries of electricity and magnetism with this comprehensive unit! Your students will explore the fundamentals of series and parallel circuits, investigate conductors and insulators, gain a deeper understanding of how magnets really work & much more. With hands-on experiments and interactive activities, this unit is the perfect way to spark your students' curiosity!
Following this 56 minute video & supporting class activities, your students will;
- Be able to identify a series vs a parallel circuit.
- Know the difference between an electrical conductor and an insulator.
- Understand how static electricity is created.
- Know that current electricity flows from negative to positive.
- Understand that electrons carry a negative charge.
- Identify that magnets have a north & south pole.
- Describe that iron is attracted to magnets.
- Understand that the magnetic north on Earth is created by the cycling of liquid metal in the outer core.
- Demonstrate that opposite poles of magnets attract and like poles repel
- Describe the shape of a magnetic field.
- Understand that moving copper wire near a magnetic field produces electricity.
- Understand that electromagnetism is the underlying force of electricity and magnetism.
Curriculum links across Australia, USA, Canada & New Zealand (see below for specific linkages)
> Australian Curriculum
> NSW Science Syllabus
> Victorian F - 10 Science Curriculum
> US Next Generation Science Standards
> The Ontario Curriculum
> The New Zealand Curriculum
Includes 8 printable PDF experiments to run in class plus student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequence, cross-curricular teaching ideas, student project ideas, common student misconceptions to be aware of as well as Australian, USA, Canadian & New Zealand curriculum outcomes, crossword, word search, experiment templates and a risk assessment template.
Optional materials to have on-hand include a plate, pepper, a cloth, a comb, coins, water, salt, paper, D cell battery, enamelled wire, magnet, string, blocks, soda can, plastic pipe & a paperclip.