Effective teachers understand the importance of asking the right kind of questions to facilitate the learning of all their students. By learning what questions to ask and when, teachers can engage their students in instruction that aligns to the vision of the "Next Generation Science Standards" (Benedict-Chambers et al. 2017; NGSS Lead…

Electricity is an integral part of daily life. Children, like adults, infer the effects of electrical conductivity. They see the illumination of a lightbulb or feel the emission of warmth from an electric stovetop but may not understand the role electrical circuits play. Focusing on the concrete aspects of electrical energy transfer helps improve…

Electromagnetic induction is the technical name for the fact that, when a wire is moved near a magnet or a magnet is moved near a wire, an electric current flows in the wire. Although Bill Robertson honestly admits to not knowing why this happens, he does say that it is possible to get a deeper understanding of what's going on in terms of…

Explains student misconceptions of electricity. Presents a lesson plan on electricity that focuses on how to build a circuit and current flows in serial and parallel circuits. (YDS)

Two learning activities are presented to develop observation and classification skills at the elementary level. The first is an electric box that associates tree names with leaf and bark specimens, and the second is a pond water observation and slide preparation activity. (BB)

Describes procedure to make electric circuit cards by using paper cards and aluminum foil. Detailed instructions and illustrations are included. (PS)

Describes the assembly of an inexpensive incubator from a foam ice chest, an electric light globe, and a thermostat, and the classroom use of the incubator to hatch chicks. (AL)

Described are two activities designed to help children investigate electrical charges, electric meters, and electromagnets. Included are background information, a list of materials, procedures, and follow-up questions. Sources of additional information are cited. (CW)

Provides a poster which focuses on how electricity is made, distributed, and used by the community. Includes a vocabulary list with definitions, additional information, and illustrations on topics such as thermoelectricity, static electricity, and electric current. (RT)

Gives a review of four software packages including "Science Toolkit: Module 3--Body Lab" for measuring heart rate, lung capacity, and response time; "Project Zoo: Adventures with Charts and Graphs" for developing process skills; "The Body Electric" for explaining electrical activity in the body; and "M-ss-ng…

Presents a new, high-technology approach to making bulbs light in series and parallel circuits. Contains diagrams that illustrate the circuit patterns. Provides suggestions for applying the electronic principles that were addressed in the activities. (ML)

Diagrams a quick, improvised cardboard circuitry for battery holder, bulb socket, and switches. Materials include corrugated cardboard, paper clips, and rubber bands. Assembly useful in determining the electrical conductivity of substances. (CS)

Students examine the concepts of electrical circuits and switches by building their own alarm systems. Students apply their understanding by creating recorder, window, pressure sensitive, and lunch box alarms. (MDH)

Presents instructions and schematic diagrams for an activity that allows students to discover the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Students draw conclusions and form hypotheses regarding their observations. Suggestions for further study are provided for "real world" experiences by students. (ZWH)