Unit: 6

Electricity, Conductors, and Insulators

Grading Cycle:

First 9 Weeks

Developed by:

Heather Fischer

Time Frame:

45 min. X 8

Content Standards:

4.6BC Differentiate between conductors and

insulators. Demonstrate that electricity travels

in a closed path, creating an electrical circuit,

and explore an electromagnetic field.

CCRS: I.C.2 Understand and apply safe

procedures in the laboratory and field, including

chemical, electrical, and fire safety and safe

handling of live or preserved organisms.I.E.2 Use

essential vocabulary of the discipline being studied

ELPS:1A

Use prior knowledge and experiences to

understand meanings in English.1E

Internalize new basic and academic language by

using and reusing it in meaningful ways in speaking

and writing activities that build concept and

language attainment.2C

Learn new language structures, expressions, and

basic and academic vocabulary heard during

classroom instruction and interactions.3DE

Speak using grade-level content area vocabulary in

context to internalize new English words and build

academic language proficiency AND share

information in cooperative interactions.

Essential Questions:

What type of material can be used as a conductor?

What type of material can be used as an insulator?

What is a circuit?

How can we create an electromagnetic field?

Key Concepts: Misconceptions:

Conductors allow energy to pass, while

insulators prevent energy from passing.

Electricity travels in a closed path called a

complete circuit.

Electromagnetic fields can be created by

passing electricity through a wire and can

be turned on and off.

Students might think that electricity always

flows through a circuit, but remind students

electricity only moves through a closed or

complete circuit.

Key Skills:

Differentiate between conductors and insulators. Demonstrate that electricity travels in a closed

path, creating an electrical circuit, and explore an electromagnetic field.

Formative Assessment:

Interactive Science Notebooks

Homework

Summative Assessment:

Concept Attainment Quiz

Prior Knowledge:

Pre-Assessment Questions

Future Connections:

5th grade unit on electiricty

Key Vocabulary: ELL/SpEd Support Vocabulary:

Instructional Activities :

Engage: Students use cups made from different materials to test the role of conductors and insulators.

Explore: Students build circuits and test materials for electrical conductivity or insulation. Students also

explore an electromagnetic field.

Explain: Question ideas specifically related to the Explore activity. Students listen to a song called Light

and Electricity. Picture Vocabulary with a Scope Vocabulary Game to learn and review key vocabulary for

electricity, conductors, and insulators.

Elaborate: Reading Science “Conductors and Insulators”.

Evaluate: Scope Review Game, Quiz.

Modifications:

GATE- Acceleration, SpEd- Intervention, ELL- Picture Vocabulary

Additional Resources: