Creating electric circuits

This unit was implemented in a fourth grade classroom in a suburban school district. The class consisted of twenty-one general education students. The goal of this unit was to have students be able to create a simple circuit, a series circuit and a parallel circuit. Students would then apply this knowledge in completing a design challenge with their group. The challenge asked students to research lighthouses and recreate one using a simple circuit and a switch. Students were pre assessed with a ten question test that measured their knowledge of electricity. The test contained open ended and multiple choice questions. At the end of the unit, students were given the same test as a post assessment to compare their scores. All students showed a significant increase in scores. Other forms of assessment consisted of individual student interviews from a sample of ten students, a design portfolio, worksheets, and individual reflections. In the individual reflection many students stated that they felt comfortable talking about and using electricity because of their classroom experience. They felt the design challenge was an engaging way to apply what they had learned over the life of the unit. Students were motivated and engaged as they completed the daily activities.