In Science Class . . . Week of 10/24

5th grade: This week, we are continuing our research and preparation of a project on the periodic table of elements. Students are researching a particular group and preparing a poster or PowerPoint to share information.

• What group are you studying?
• What are the key properties of the group?
• What are some examples of elements from this group?

4th Grade: This week, the 4th graders will learning that electricity can be converted into motion as well as light. We'll be putting together simple circuits with a switch, d-cell and motor. We also will be doing centers later in the week. One of these is a hand crank generator which powers two lights - one energy efficient and one traditional light bulb. Students will see that it takes a lot more energy to light a traditional bulb! We also will be looking at the way that electric currents can create magnetism (as in electromagnets).

• How did you hook up the motor? What are other examples of where electricity is converted into motion?
• What did you find out when you wrapped a coil around an iron rivet and hooked the wires to a d-cell?
• What are electromagnets used for outside of science class?