GRADE 4: ELECTRICITY

Core Themes/Standards (NGSS): Electricity & Magnetism; Definitions of Energy; Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer; Energy & Matter  

We recommend that these videos be watched in the order below, but each video can stand alone or be watched out of order. Included in many of the videos are “DISCUSS!” slides designed to allow the video to be paused for student discussion/brainstorming and concept review before continuing with the experiment. 

Eddy Current

This experiment explores the phenomenon of an “eddy current” as an introduction to electrical currents and electromagnetism.  

Van de Graaff Generator

This video explores static electricity and electrical charge transfer through a series of experiments using the MOST’s Van de Graaff Generator. 

Building a Circuit

This video explores the basics of open and closed circuits and how to build them. Clear diagrams and labeled parts allow students to hypothesize and discover the secrets of electrical circuits, switches, and more. 

Chemical Battery Experiment

This experiment demonstrates the chemical reactions at work in a basic battery by creating one using copper, zinc, and vinegar. A teacher kit for demonstrating this experiment will be provided to your classroom by the MOST. Instructions for this experiment can be found here. Teacher kits also contain MOST Family Passes (1 per student in your classroom). 

ELECTRICITY UNIT WORKSHEETS AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES 

• Vocabulary Bingo Card This Bingo Card contains many of the terms used throughout the videos. This can be used as a general overview for teachers, or as an activity for students to complete while watching the video series (words are spread throughout the videos within the series).  
• Extension Activity: Sun Power
• Extension Activity: DIY Anemometer
• Extension Activity: DIY Water Wheel