Amanda Merullo

Module 8: Teaching Online

March 16, 2017

Co Subject Science
nt
en Grade Level Four
t
Learning 4.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of
Objective
scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by
planning and conducting investigations in
which independent and dependent variables are
identified

g) constants in an experimental situation are

identified;

h) hypotheses are developed as cause and effect

relationships;

4.3 The student will investigate and understand the

characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include

a) conductors and insulators;

b) basic circuits;
Pe Online This activity is beneficial for online teachers who would
da Activity like to conduct an experiment to teach students about
go basic circuts. Students will practice prior knowledge of
gy scientific reasoning by creating a hypothesis,
indentifying constant variables, and determining cause
and effect relationships.
This online activity uses a simulation to allow students
to conduct a virtual experiment that mimics what would
happen in the real world.

First, the teacher, using the microphone feature, will

hold an online discussion in which basic circuts,
conductors, and insulators are discussed and the
upcoming assignment is explained. Students may
interact with the teacher to ask questions during this
time. A screencast will also be made available by the
teacher for students to view anytime to show how to
operate the simulation needed to complete the
experiment.
A rubric for this assingment will also be provided online.

To complete this assignment, students will learn how to

build a small circut. The simulation allows students to
use standard components like batteries, wire, and light
bulbs mixed with materials like silver, plastic, copper,
and wood to figure out how to make the perfect circut.
If the correct materials are in correct order, the light
bulb will illuminate. If the student tries to use wood as
a conductor, the light bulb will not turn on. Before
conducting the experiment, students will list which
materials they think will serve as good conductors and
which will not. The constant variables will be the light
bulb, battery, wire, and switch. The student will also
choose a hypothesis, for example, Copper will act as a
conductor to help me make a successful circut. The
students will record their constant variables, hypothesis,
and conclusion on a worksheet posted by the teacher
online. Once the worksheet is completed, this will be
what the teacher grades.
Te Technology Tablet or Computer with internet access.
ch Simulation found here:
no https://www.explorelearning.com/index.cfm?
lo method=cResource.dspDetail&ResourceID=638&ClassI
gy
D=3206392