Unit of Study

7th Grade - Module 6 Magnetism and Electricity

Magnets (Discovery 1.3-Standards 7.P2U1.2 and 7.P2U1.1)

1. Explain what a magnet is.

2. Describe a magnetic field and the behavior of magnets and magnetic materials within that field.

3. Identify factors that affect the strength of a magnet’s attraction and repulsion (including magnitudes of the charges, currents, or magnetic strengths involved and on the distances between the interacting objects)

Electricity and Magnetism Relationship (Discovery 1.4-Standard 7.P2U1.1)

1. Describe the relationship between magnetism and electricity.

2. Explain how the size of the wire, the strength of the magnet, and the amount of mechanical energy used all affect the amount of electricity produced by a generator.

8th Grade - Module 4 Energy and Waves

Transfer and Conservation of Energy (Discovery 2.1- Standards 8.P4U1.3, 8.P4U2.5)

Big Idea: Energy is transferred out of hotter regions or objects and into colder ones by the processes of conduction, convection, and radiation

1. Explain, using examples, how energy can transfer from one object or place to another.

2. Explain the law of conservation of energy and relate it to the transfer of energy.

3. Model how the amount of energy transfer needed to change the temperature of a matter sample by a given amount depends on the nature of the matter, the size of the sample, and the environment

4. Model a scenario where energy is spontaneously transferred out of hotter regions or objects and into colder ones.

5. Analyze the transfer and transformation of energy in simple systems in terms of the law of conservation of energy.

6. Explain how energy does not always appear to be conserved in some energy transfers or transformations.

Nature of Waves (Discovery 2.2-8.P4U1.3, 8.P4U1.4)

Big Idea: A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency,

and amplitude. Emphasis is on describing waves with both qualitative and quantitative thinking. Emphasis is on both light and mechanical waves. Examples of models could include drawings, simulations, and written descriptions.