4th Graders are “attracted” to magnets!

Greetings!

Our class is beginning our next Science Unit: Magnetism and Electricity! We will investigate permanent magnets, build electric circuits powered by D-cells (flashlight batteries), and explore electromagnetism during in-class investigations!

Here are a few pictures from last week’s investigation: Breaking the Force!

You can increase your child’s understanding and interest in magnetism and electricity by asking him or her to talk about the investigations we are doing at school. You may find magnets at work holding notes on the refrigerator or securing cabinets closed; electricity powering lamps, televisions, and flashlights; and electromagnets in motors and speakers. It can be lots of fun to make inventories of magnets and electrical appliances.

To help your child investigate circuitry you may provide an old broken appliance for him or her to take apart. You can explore the appliance together to discover how it is wired and where connections are made. One thing we will stress in our study of magnetism and electricity at school is safety! You may want to review your home safety rules for magnetism and electricity as well.

• Never put any object other than a certified plug into wall sockets.

• Do not open the case of an electrical appliance that is plugged in.

• Do not bring magnets near computers, videotapes, or audio recordings.

We are looking forward to many weeks of exciting investigations with this Magnetism and Electricity Module. If you have any questions or comments, or have expertise you would like to share with the class, please don’t hesitate to reach out!