Pittenger's Science Group

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We are going to start the unit by studying the properties of matter.  The students will learn that matter can be measured and observed.  They will also learn that matter changes states through heating and cooling.

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Our second unit will be on energy.  We will continue to talk about the different states of matter while we learn about the different forms of energy.  Last year, students learned that sound and light are forms of energy.  This year, students will learn that heat and electricity are also forms of energy.  Students will find out that adding energy to a substance will increase the temperature.  Students will learn about conductors and will need to be able to identify a good conductor from a poor conductor.

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Next, we will study magnetism.  Students will work with hands on activities to see the strength of a magnet.  They will also be working with magnets and iron filings to observe patterns found with magnetic field.  Lastly, students will begin to understand how magnets can attract and repel objects from a distance.

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Lastly, we will study Electricity.  Students will make a simple circuit with a battery, two wires, and light bulb.  We will show the students the relationship between electrical circuits, energy, and magnets.