Dover Sherborn Middle School Curriculum Road Maps

Course Title: Science Grade: 6

Unit: Electricity / Magnetism

Month Presented: November/December/January_ Unit Length (in weeks): 8

Essential Question (s):

1. How are electricity and magnetism related?
2. How would the absence of electricity and magnetism affect humans?

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to set up and keep records in a notebook.
2. Learn several properties and uses of magnets.
3. Distinguish between a magnet and magnetic materials.
4. Learn ways of varying magnetic strength.
5. Use graphs to communicate results.
6. Understand how a compass functions.
7. Learn the concept of a magnetic pole.
8. Understand the basic structure of an atom.

Skills:

1. Discover the properties of magnets.
2. Learn problem solving and troubleshooting techniques.
3. Manipulate materials to build a working device.
4. Develop manipulative skills.
5. Observe and investigate magnetisms connection with electricity.
6. Explore the characteristics of a switch, simple circuits and electromagnets.
7. Work in a team.
8. Develop an understanding of how a motor works.
9. Compare and contrast conductors and insulators.
10. Use the periodic table to find basic information.

Instructional Strategies & Activities:

1. experiment with magnets
2. measure strength of magnets
3. build a compass
4. build an electromagnet
5. construct series and parallel circuits

Materials Utilized:

flexible magnets, plastic cups, lids, pencils, wooden sticks, tongue depressors,

paper clips, steel washers, magnetic compasses, drinking straws, batteries, wires, alligator clamps, battery holders, wire strippers, bulbs, bulb sockets, nails, bolts, screwdrivers, small electric motors, rubber bands, construction paper

Assessment Strategies:

1. Notebook records
2. Teacher observation of lab activities
3. Quizzes
4. Pre and post assessments