The Heat Energy unit helps students understand what heat energy is, how it is transferred, how it is measured, and how insulation can keep heat in or out. In the introductory activity, students will investigate how heat energy is generated when they rub two things together.
The Light unit helps students explore the properties of light - where it comes from, how it moves, and how it interacts with objects.
The Magnets unit helps students discover what magnets are and how they work.
In the introductory unit activity, students are presented with a variety of snack foods, make observations about each, and discuss the properties of each. They will then mix them all together, observe, and then discuss whether the properties of the foods have changed. They will then predict how their properties might change if water is added or if they are heated in a microwave and make observations as these experiments are done.
The Properties unit explains how shape, color, texture, weight, state of matter, and other properties can be used to identify, describe, and compare matter. The unit also explains that we choose to make things out of materials that have the properties we need or want.
The Solids. Liquids, and Gases unit is designed to provide students with information and experiences related to the three states of matter and addresses how matter can change from one state to another. In the introductory activity, students make observations about a variety of objects and substances and classify them as solid, liquid, or gas.
The Sound unit explains what sound is, how it travels, and some of the properties of sound, such as pitcha nd volume. It explores how ears hear and encourages students to take care of their ears. In the unit introduction activity, students will listen to sounds of a pencil tapping objects and try and guess what each object is made of.
The Things Move unit addresses how forces affect objects at rest and in motion. It gives examples of types of forces, and it describes the movement of objects, including what can slow them, stop them, and change their direction. The unit also introduces friction and gravity, and their effects on moving objects. Everyday examples are used to help students understand the concepts.