Throughout December and January, we learned about electricity during our classroom Discovery times and our Technology Integration times with Arlyn. This unit focused on creating simple, parallel, and series circuits. The best part of this unit is that it is completely hands-on and minds-on!
First, we went into the Makerspace to create Squishy Circuits. In pairs, students started by creating simple circuits using special salt dough that acts as a conductor. We also had battery packs and LED lights. After they mastered the simple circuits, students had time to practice making parallel and series circuits that used additional materials, such as fans and buzzers. Very exciting and action-packed!
After learning about circuits with the dough, I also asked students to demonstrate their understanding of the different types of circuits by drawing and labeling scientific illustrations.
Next, we switched locations to the Library to start making Paper Circuits. This time, partners created simple, parallel, and series circuits using paper, special tape that conducts electricity, sticky lights, and batteries.
For our final projects, students worked independently to create their own paper circuit projects. This project used a variety of technology. Students created a Google Drawing that shows a winter scene or object. Then, they worked individually with Arlyn to decide which parts of the drawing would be cut out and used the Cricut to print and cut their designs.
In the classroom, we read a book called Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Shnur and illustrated by Leslie Evans. This book that shows wonderful examples of winter-themed acrostic poems and illustrations. Then, we wrote our own acrostic poems that will accompany our winter design. I was impressed with students' creativity and beautiful descriptions.
Finally, we put all of the different parts of this project together to create a light-up winter paper design. We also used Book Creator to show our designs and poems. This app also allows students to practice their fluency by recording themselves reading their poems. Arlyn will print class books of these designs and poems. We are excited to share these projects with you at the Celebration of Learning.
