This Grade 4 Physical Science Course Unit teaches students magnetism and electricity. The lessons address all of the Grade 4 California Science Content Standards for Physical Science. Students will discover that electricity and magnetism are interconnected forces with countless applications in daily life. Through a series of experimental investigations and studies, students gain knowledge about static and current electricity, as well as the effects of magnetism. They will design, build, and utilize series and parallel circuits, a basic compass, and an electromagnet. Electromagnets are used extensively in the construction of electric motors, and students will learn how electricity may be converted to heat, light, and motion. Investigations, experiments, hands-on learning, inquiries and evaluations are used in this Physical Science Course. Assessments include pre-, post-, and formative assessments. You can download the complete grade 4 Physical Science lessons (zip file, 35mb).
| Introduction and Conceptual Flow Narrative | Download PDF | |
| Conceptual Flow Graphic | Download PDF | |
| Pre-Assessment | A (Assessment File) | Download PDF |
| Lesson 1 May the Magnetic Force Be with You | 4.1 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 2 Amazing Magnets | 4.2 | Download zip (2 PDF’s) |
| Lesson 3 Magnetic Fields-The Earth Acts as a Giant Magnet | 4.3 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 4 Magnetic Fields-Making a Compass | 4.4 | Download PDF |
| Formative Assessment #1 | B (Assessment File) | Download PDF |
| Lesson 5 Static Electricity | 4.5 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 6 Simple Circuits | 4.6 | Download zip (3 PDF’s) |
| Lesson 7 Conductors and Insulators | 4.7 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 8 Series Circuits and Switches | 4.8 | Download PDF |
| Formative Assessment #2 | C (Assessment File) | Download PDF |
| Lesson 9 Parallel Circuits | 4.9 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 10 Electromagnets | 4.10 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 11 Hot Wire S’More | 4.11 | Download PDF |
| Lesson 12 Motors | 4.12 | Download PDF |
| Post-Assessment | D (Assessment File) | Download PDF |
The Grade 4 Conceptual Flow Narrative for Physical Science: Magnetism and Electricity expands on the topics shown in the conceptual flow image by explaining the concept(s) discussed in each lesson as well as the relationships that connect one lesson to the next. A conceptual narrative connects each lesson to the one before it and the one after it, ensuring the development of student understanding as students progress from one concept to the next.
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