FOSS Next Generation Energy

Grade 4

The Energy Module provides first-hand experiences in physical science dealing with energy and change. Students investigate electricity and magnetism as related effects and engage in engineering design while learning useful applications of electromagnetism in everyday life. They explore energy transfer through waves, repeating patterns of motion, that result in sound and motion.

Investigation 1: Energy and Circuits

Students investigate electric current and circuits, the pathways through which electricity flows. They work with a variety of components – D-cells, lightbulbs, motors, switches, and wires – and explore conductors and insulators. They explore series and parallel circuits and compare the functioning of the components in each circuit. They formulate and justify their predictions, based on their observations of electricity transferring energy to produce light and motion.

Investigation 2: The Force of Magnetism

Students investigate the properties of magnets and their interactions with materials and each other. They construct a simple compass and use it to detect magnetic effects. They also discover that magnetism can be induced in a piece of iron. They investigate the strength of the force of attraction between two magnets by graphing data to look for patterns of interaction. Students go outdoors to find objects in the environment that are attracted to magnets.

Investigation 3: Electromagnets

Students learn how to use electricity to make an electromagnet. They explore the variables that influence the strength of the magnetism produced by their electromagnets. Students use all the concepts they have learned to engineer a simple telegraph system and communicate using a click code.

Investigation 4: Energy Transfer

Students observe energy transfer that results in heat, light, sound, and motion and they are introduced to sources of energy and components that store energy for later use. They conduct structured investigations with steel balls and ramps to test the variables of mass and release position to find out how these variables affect energy transfer.

Investigation 5: Waves

Students experience waves using ropes, demonstrations with waves in water, spring toys, and a sound generator. They also use videos, animations, and readings to learn that waves are repeating patterns of motion that transfer energy from place to place. They analyze compression waves (sound waves) to learn the general properties of waves – amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.

Students then use mirrors to experience reflecting light. They use flashlights, mirrors, and water to observe light in numerous ways, reinforcing the idea that light can reflect and refract. Students build a conceptual model about how light travels.

Finally, students design series and parallel solar cell circuits and observe the effect on the speed of a motor, and then read about alternative energy sources.