DESCRIPTION: This lesson plan introduces the topic of circuits. At the completion of the lesson, the students will be able to identify the term circuit, label the parts of a simple circuit, and discuss how a flashlight works after discussing with peers. I think this lesson plan would be most appropriate for a fourth grade classroom.
Engagement- The teacher will start the lesson reading authentic literature. This will get the students thinking about the topic that will later be discussed. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.
Exploration- The teacher continues the discussion on electricity and distributes a package containing a wire, light bulb, and battery. The students are instructed to make the bulb light. They use the given materials and their knowledge of electricity to explore what needs to happen for the bulb to light. The students will draw a diagram with their hypothesis and check to see if it works. Once they have figured out the simple circuit they will sketch it underneath their prediction.
Explanation- Have students share successes and failures by diagramming them on the board. Ask the students to explain why things did and did not work. Then introduce vocabulary such as circuit (open and closed). The teacher at this point would explain thoroughly the process of the circuit and what is happening when we just simply flick a switch.
Elaboration- Show the student a flashlight, flick it on and off. Have the students work in-group to determine how it works in the terms they have just learned. Distribute flashlights and allow students to try to figure out how they work. Collaborate on their thoughts and identify the correct process.
Evaluation- Distribute circuit worksheets and have the students complete them independently. Put the students back into groups and see if they could compete the circuit using their work from their worksheet. Use this time to clear up and lingering questions.
Engagement-
The teacher will start the lesson reading authentic literature. This will get the students thinking about the topic that will later be discussed. Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.
Exploration-
The teacher continues the discussion on electricity and distributes a package containing a wire, light bulb, and battery. The students are instructed to make the bulb light. They use the given materials and their knowledge of electricity to explore what needs to happen for the bulb to light. The students will draw a diagram with their hypothesis and check to see if it works. Once they have figured out the simple circuit they will sketch it underneath their prediction.
Explanation-
Have students share successes and failures by diagramming them on the board. Ask the students to explain why things did and did not work. Then introduce vocabulary such as circuit (open and closed). The teacher at this point would explain thoroughly the process of the circuit and what is happening when we just simply flick a switch.
Elaboration-
Show the student a flashlight, flick it on and off. Have the students work in-group to determine how it works in the terms they have just learned. Distribute flashlights and allow students to try to figure out how they work. Collaborate on their thoughts and identify the correct process.
Evaluation-
Distribute circuit worksheets and have the students complete them independently. Put the students back into groups and see if they could compete the circuit using their work from their worksheet. Use this time to clear up and lingering questions.