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Fourth graders explore electric circuits
You know what happens. We all make sure we have plenty of supplies, blankets, candles, and ingredients for homemade soup because the power is out and we are left in the cold and the dark. Many of us get frustrated and irritable when we have planned all week to watch our favorite television program because the previews looked really good all week, it starts to rain, and we begin to lose our satellite signal. What about the new advances. It is amazing what can fit into a pocket these days; a phone, radio, camera, GPS, I Pods, games, etc. The idea that electricity and lightening are the same not only bolstered Franklin to world-renowned stardom, but it also began our journey to dependence and exploration in the world of electric circuits. At Grove Hill Elementary School, the fourth grade has been exploring the world of electric circuits and has made some awesome discoveries. Each day Mr. Pace's science class began their journey with a reading from the book, What's The Big Idea, Ben Franklin? by Jean Fritz. The students learned little "tidbits" about Ben's life from childhood to his death. Students enter the science lab with high energy and an excitement for each day's lesson. One day may be predicting whether the light bulb would light or not. Another lesson would have the children creating a simple circuit or a circuit tester. It was an exciting day when the class learned they were going to burn paper by creating a filament and placing a note card to the hot wire. Each child kept a note book that logs their daily discovery. It (science class) is interesting and I have a lot of fun creating circuits, working with light bulbs, and building a flashlight." says Glenicia Dean. Gabreelle Casteel says, "My favorite part about science class has been building the flashlight because it was interesting and you got to take stuff and actually build it with your partner and it was kind of a challenge and I like challenges." Drawing a series circuit diagram was Paige Long's favorite activity, "My favorite part is when we built a series circuit diagram because when I built it I pictured it in my mind before I did anything, and then I did it." This week the fourth grade packed their science kits to be returned to the AMSTI warehouse. Before they did though, they had one more activity. The class built their own set of Christmas lights for their Christmas tree. Mr. Pace's class decided which circuit would be best for the class to use; a series circuit or a parallel circuit. The class chose a parallel circuit because when one bulb is not working, the rest remain lit. As partners worked together, they created a well lit Christmas tree. A picture of the students around their Christmas tree went on the last page of their notebooks for this unit.
The next kit is scheduled to arrive some time in January and the students are anxious to jump into another world of discovery.
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