This Grade 4 Physical Science Course Unit teaches students magnetism and electricity. All of the Grade 4 California Science Content Standards for Physical Science are addressed in this unit. Students will understand that electricity and magnetism are connected phenomena with numerous applications in everyday life by the end of the course. Students will learn about static and current electricity and the effects of magnetism through a series of practical studies and research. They will configure, contruct, and use series and parallel circuits, a rudimentary compass, and an electromagnet. Electromagnets play an important role in the building of electric motors, and students will see how electrical energy may be transferred to heat, light, and motion. This Physical Science Course uses sets of investigations, experiments, active learning opportunities, questions, and assessments. Assessments include: pre-, post-, and 3 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 builds on the concepts presented on conceptual flow graphic by describing the concept(s) addressed in each lesson and the links that connect each lesson to the next. Lessons are linked to the previous lesson and the lesson that follows via a conceptual storyline. This ensures the development of student understanding as students progress from one concept to the next.
-love learning -your best ed lessons guide, Scott
