FOSS 4th Grade Magnets and Electricity Module Overview

Magnets and Electricity Fourth Grade Physical Science FOSS Module Overview
Big Ideas and Guiding Questions	Big Ideas: An electromagnetic force occurs naturally in our world. It is responsible for magnetism, electricity, light and heat. Guiding Questions: How can we describe and observe magnetism? How can we describe and observe electricity? How are magnetism and electricity connected?
Skills	organize (beginning) compare communicate observe
Vocabulary	attract circuit conductor electricity force insulator magnet electromagnets repel series parallel telegraph

GLEs

1.1.4	Understand that energy comes in many forms (emphasis on electrical)
1.2.1	Analyze how the parts of a system go together, and how these parts depend on each other (describe how a simple system that can perform a task and illustrate how the parts depend on each other and explain how one part of a system depends upon other parts of the same system)
1.2.2	Understand that energy can be transferred from one object to another and canbe transformed from one form of energy to another (identify sources of energy systems like battery for a light)
2.1.1	Understand how to ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment.
2.1.2	Understand how to plan and conduct simple investigations.
2.1.3	Apply evidence to construct a reasonable explanation using data
2.1.4	Understand how to model objects, events, or processes.
2.1.5	Understand how to record and report investigations, results, and explanations.
2.2.1	Understand that all scientific observations should be reported accurately even when they contradict expectations.
2.2.2	Understand that scientific facts are measurements and observations of phenomena in the natural world which are repeatable and/or verified by experts.
2.2.3	Understand why similar investigations may not produce similar results.
2.2.4	Understand how to make the results of scientific investigations reliable.
2.2.5	Understand that scientific understanding of systems increases through inquiry.
3.1.1	Identify that problems found in ordinary situations in which scientific design can or has been used to create solutions.
3.1.2	Understand how the scientific design process is used to develop and implement solutions to human problems.
3.1.3	Analyze how well a design or product solves a problem.
3.2.1	Understand that science and technology have been practiced by all peoples throughout history.
3.2.2	Understand that people have invented tools for everyday life and for scientific investigations.
3.2.3	Understand how knowledge and skills of science, mathematics, and technology are used in common occupations.

Suggested Teaching Schedule
Investigation	Week 1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4	Week 5	Week 6	Week 7	Week 8
1. The Force	23 Sessions	1 Session
2. Making Connections		2 Sessions	2 Sessions
3. Advanced Connections			1 Session	3 Sessions
3. Sound Challenges						2 Sessions	Projects Summative Assessments

Additional Notes
Getting Ready to Teach	Overview Folio: • To get a Big Picture of the module see pages 18 and 19 • Read the Science Background on pages 3-7 to build your understanding Material Folio: • Be sure to read over the material section and check your kit for items • Some items are included in the kit that might be listed as supplied by the teacher • Be sure to check on the material preparation for lessons, read page 7
Investigations	Investigations: These are the lesson plans and all include the following ... • Investigation at a glance (page 2-3) • Background for the teacher (p.4-5) • Teaching Children About… (p.6-7) • Investigation Lesson Plans • Interdisciplinary Extensions
Assessments	A suggested assessment schedule is located on the last page fo the assessment section of the binder.
Formative Assessments	Teacher Observation: Include anecdotal notes and student interviews (see sheets in the Assessment Duplication Masters section). Student Sheets: Sheets that students complete during the investigation will provide information on student learning (suggestions on how to score sheets is provided in the Getting Ready section of the Investigations and see pages 6-13 in the assessment section for more details). Response Sheets : These sheets are designed to help you assess thinking and written and oral communication skills, to find out what students are learning from the activities (these sheets are located in the Investigation Duplication Masters with the other student sheets, they have response sheet in the title and see pages 9-15 in the assessment section for more details). Performance Assessment : Often one part or the whole investigation is devoted to assessing a student's ability to plan, organize and conduct an investigation, there are several scoring guides available to assess progress (see pages 5-15 of the assessment section).
Summative Assessments	End of the Module Assessment: Copies of the Summative Assessment are included in the Assessment Duplication Masters section of the binder. Be sure to read page 16-23 of the Assessment section for directions on the assessment and acceptable answers. Portfolios: Information about portfolio assessment is also available in the assessment section of the binder on pages 24-27.

Contact Tracy Dabbs with any questions or concerns.
tdabbs@be.wednet.edu