Science with Mrs.

Giardina
December 2018

Third Grade:

Students work to figure out the question “Why does the train float, even though gravity is acting
on it?” They discover balanced forces as they investigate how two forces, gravity and magnetic
force, can act on an object at the same time. They see how an engineer uses the idea of
balanced forces to explain why a bridge is stable and safe. Students use what they have
discovered in the chapter to model and write an explanation of why the train floats, and to
diagram balanced forces. Students learn that multiple forces can act on an object at the same
time and that these forces can be balanced. They have more opportunities to use the concept
of stability and change and to make and use models to make sense of forces. They learn how
forces can become unbalanced, and use their understanding to explain why the train changes
from floating to falling. They plan and conduct further investigations with the Floating Paper Clip
Device and read Hoverboard. They observe a demonstration of electromagnets and read
about them in the reference book. The question of the floating train is wrapped up as students
create final diagrams using the Force Diagramming Tool and write a final scientific explanation.

Fourth Grade:

Students work together to answer the question “How does energy get to the devices all over
Ergstown?” Through investigations and reading, students learn about the electrical grid and then
argue for the best solution for improving the electrical grid to reduce blackouts. In this argument,
students consider limitations of each solution as they review and prioritize the criteria. The unit
ends with students synthesizing all of the evidence they have collected and using this evidence
to make a final argument about which two improvements to implement in Ergstown to prevent
future blackouts. The purpose of this chapter is for students to understand how systems may fail,
and to consider the electrical system as a whole, including all of the parts they have learned
about—the grid, energy sources, converters, and devices—and how these parts work together.
Students gain experience supporting claims with evidence from multiple sources and
considering multiple criteria for solutions to problems.