Electricity
It will SHOCK you!

A WebQuest for 4th Grade Science

Designed by
Ms. Brock
abrock@pasadenaisd.org

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion  | Teacher Page

Introduction 

Do you know how electricity was first discovered? Have you ever imagined what your life would be like without it?  Can we run out of electricity like we run out of gas? What will happen if we do?

Your group will discover the answers to these questions and more! It's really a  shocking story!
 

Your group will use the Internet to discover ways electricity was discovered, is used today, and what the future may hold. 

You will research a scientist involved in the history of electricity and create a poster explaining his/her contribution to the class. 

You will learn the history of the lightbulb and label a diagram of its components (parts). 

1.  First, you will be assigned to a group of 3 students.
2.  Discuss with your group what your life would be like if you had 24 hours without electricity.  What would you have to live without?  Write at least 10 ways your day would be different.  Type and email your list to me, and be sure to include all the group members' names. 
3.  Read and compare what happens to Sam and Nick when their homes lost electric power with the list your group made.
4.  Is electricity an invention or a discovery? Read the "Shocking History" section of this page to find out. 
5.  Many people contributed to our learning about electricity.  Read about a few on Scientists   Page 1 or Page 2 and choose one you'd like to learn more about and present to the class.  Before beginning your research, let me know which scientist you chose.
6.  After having your choice ok'd, choose the correct link below to begin your research.   Your group will read information on the Internet, as well as use the encyclopedia, for research.  You will find a picture of your scientist on the internet and print it for use on your poster. Michael Faraday,   Benjamin Franklin,   Thomas Edison,    Count Allessandro Volta,   Nikola Tesla,    Lewis Lattimer
7. Thomas Edison developed the incandescent lightbulb.  Using this timeline, find the year he completed it.  How long ago was it? Email your group's answer to me.
8. It took many scientists learning from each other to invent the lightbulb.  Using this worksheet, each student follow the directions to draw and label the parts of a lightbulb.  Also, use this timeline to draw and label your own timeline titled "The History of the Lightbulb,"  using at least 5 entries.

Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. Specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Discuss, lists and emails to teacher 10 ways loss of electricity would affect the student's life.	Little or no contribution to group discussion or interest in assignment.	Lists less than 5 ways, little participation in group discussion.	Lists at least 7 ways, sends email, involved in discussion and group decisions.	Lists 10 ways, sends email to teacher, very interested and involved in group discussion.	25 pts
Uses at least 2 sources to research group's chosen scientist. Worked with group to complete poster and present to class.	Student shows little or no interest in working with group on research, poster or presentation.	Student needs continual teacher involvement to stay motivated and helpful with group work.	Student is engaged with little or no teacher involvement. Is helpful with research, poster creation and presentation.	Student motivates self to stay on task and work with group to complete research, poster and presentation.	50 pts.
Drawing and labeling  of lightbulb diagram and history timeline.	Student shows lack of desire to complete assignment in a neat, timely manner.	Student stays on task only with continual teacher involvement.  Time is not given for neat work. Directions were not followed.	Student is mostly on task and completes a fairly neat diagram with correct labeling. Timeline complete. Very little teacher involvement needed.	Student completes neat, correctly labeled diagram and timeline with no teacher involvement needed.	25 pts.

Congratulations, you are finished!  Next time you turn on your bedroom light or computer, stop and consider all the scientists and years of experimenting that made it all possible!

Here's Thomas Edison thanking an audience for honoring him on the 50th anniversary of the lightbulb.

Extra Credit:  Print one Word Search Puzzle per person!  
Before logging off, play the Power Lab Safety Race Game and see how electrically safe you are!