Physical Science Lesson Plan: Circuits

Teacher: Date: District: School:

Katrina Garcia Nov. 6th, 2017
Subject: Grade Level: Unit Title: Lesson Title: Circuit
Science 4th Grade Force Motion and City
Energy
Relevant TEKS
§112.15. Science, Grade 4, Beginning with School Year 2010-2011
(b) Knowledge and skills
(6) Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy exists in many forms and can be
observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to:
(C) demonstrate that electricity travels in a closed path, creating an electrical circuit, and
explore an electromagnetic field
Science Content (Big Ideas: Definitions, Facts, Process/Integrated Skills,
Explanations, etc.)
Definitions:
Open Circuit- an electrical circuit that is not complete
Closed Circuit-an electrical circuit that is complete
Electromagnetic Field- a field of force create as a result of a force of the motion of an electrical
charge and containing an infinite amount of electrical energy.

Learning Objective(s):
1. The student will be able to define and compare an
open and closed circuit
2. The student will be able to illustrate a parallel and
series circuit
3. The student will be able to list examples of
conductors
4. The student will be able to explain how a circuit
creates and electromagnetic field
Relevant ELPS - Language Objective(s):
ELPS.c.1A: use prior knowledge and experiences to understand meanings in English
Relevant TX CCRS:
IV. Science, Technology, and Society (A)Interactions between innovations and science (1.)
Recognize how scientific discoveries are connected to technological innovations.
Assessments:
Diagnostic Assessment/s: A survey of student knowledge before and after the activity
Formative Assessments: Asking questions in class and recording student responses and ideas.
Concept Map
Summative Assessment: Rubric asking if students correctly visualized each circuit on their
paper. If the LED bulb lit up on the circuits that were supposed to light up

Rubric for “Circuit City” Worksheet:

 Poor-1 Exceptional-2 Excellent-3

Open Circuit/Closed One word or Accurate description In depth thoughtful

inaccurate description description and
connections

Conductor/Insulator Inaccurate or simple Accurate description Thorough description

description and labeled correctly

Questions Answered incorrectly Answered correctly in Answered in complete

or absent response complete sentences sentences and
questions answered
correctly and fully

5E Learning Cycle:
Engage 1. First write down the word CIRCUIT on the white
board
2. Have students answer the question “what does this
word mean to you?” and record their answers on
the board
3. Have the whole class stand and join hands.
Explain the following task; “Today I am going to
challenge you all to make a pulse travel around
the circle as quickly as possible. The current will  Listen
start here (pick one student) and end with this carefully for
student. Squeeze your classmates’ hands instructions
(softly) to make the current travel. Ready?” Allow
class to try this task multiple times. Once  Never put
complete, explain to students that they just materials in
created a human circuit, imitating how electricity your mouth
travels through connectors. Have children return
to their seats.  Act
4. Next, choose a table and ask them to join hands.
Responsibility
Introduce the energy stick. Explain how it works and
have the students demonstrate a closed circuit.
5. Show the difference between an open and closed
circuit using the energy stick and children
6. Go to another table and ask them to join hands. Place
a bowl of water in between two children and ask them
to place a single finger in the bowl. Introduce the new
vocabulary words CONDUCTOR/INSULATOR.
 7. Go to another group and ask them to touch clothes of
another student (on the shoulder) and see if the energy
stick works. It will not, explain conductor/insulator
further.

Explore Have the students sit down at their desks and begin to explain
the safety and regulation rules of the experiment “Circuit
City.” Tell the students they are given the task of making
their own closed circuits using the following materials;
aluminum foil, LED lights, 9-volt battery, paper, and tape.
Explain to them the following rules:
Your circuit must have two open ends
The ends must be labeled positive and negative
charges
The foil cannot be broken
The gaps must be close enough so the tips of the
battery and LED lights touch
Allow 15 minutes to let children explore and create.

Explain Once complete, allow students to answer the following

questions:
 How did the circuit work?
 Why was it important to label positive and
negative charges?
 What parts of your circuit were conductors?
Any insulators? Anything else we could have
used instead of aluminum foil?
Have a class discussion and record student answers on the
whiteboard so students may record them in their personal
science journals.
Elaborate Define the new vocabulary words and have students record
them in their personal science journals, along with a
drawing of their self-made aluminum circuits.
Evaluate Have children complete the Changing Circuits worksheet,
along with a four square. They will complete
these assignments and turn them in for assessment.
Language Modification(s):
-Write down definitions in ELL friendly language on the board with a picture
-Have laminated sheets with the definitions and real world pictures of examples of
new vocabulary.
Diversity and Equity (Accommodations, Modifications, Adaptations)
Students will be given a visual step by step instruction and visual representations of
each kind of circuit.
Students will draw with markers instead of graphite pencils and LED lights.
Materials and Resources:
LED lights
Paper
Aluminum Foil
Tape
9V Batteries

For ENGAGE:
Water
Penny
Quarter
Toy Car
Energy Stick

Technology:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOFp8bHTN30

“The Power of Circuits #sciencegoals” Youtube Video

A four minute crash course on how we use electrical circuits in our day to day lives.
 NAME:_______________________

Circuit City
Closed CIRCUIT OPEN CIRCUIT

INSULATOR CONDUCTOR

How do you know if a circuit is closed or open?

What is the difference between an insulator and conductor?

Give three examples of either closed or open circuits?