state standard: 4.1.4
This activity specifically hits an state standard. This is a really good activity because it does not take a lot of time to set up and do, and the materials are real easy to come by. This activity has extensions to it that can be used for those who may need some enrichment.
Adaptions: This is a great activity for ELL and special need students. Be sure to go over vocabulary and explain what electricity is and use the same terms for the experiements in order not to confuse them.
Extensions: You can extend this activity to higher grades by first doing this experiment, then doing another experiment to demonstrate how batteries make electricty (by lighting a lightbulb)
Core Standard:
Provide evidence that heat and electricity are forms of energy. (4.1.1, 4.1.2)
Core Standard:
Design and assemble electric circuits that provide a means of transferring energy from one form or place to another. (4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5)
4th Grade Physical Science Activity.
4.1.4 Experiment with materials to identify conductors and insulators of heat and electricity.
4.1.5 Demonstrate that electrical energy can be transformed into heat, light, and sound.
Adaptions: have the ELL and special need students (as well as whole class in order not to single out students) draw a demonstration of how + & - affect each other before doign the experiment in oder to enhance understanding of what the objects represent in regards to their charge.
Extensions: You can extend this activity to younger get students by using balloons and rubbing them on their heads. Also, draw a demonstration showing the charges. Then, have the students determine how the positive charge of the balloon affects different items.