Renewable Resource Science Unit (Voltmeters)

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Jamie Schwartz
School Site
Kings Beach Elementary
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2017-11-15T12:00:00
Description

4th grade teaches a Renewable Resource Unit aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. In this unit students focus on solar and wind energy. The students build solar powered cars and fans and work with the orientation aspect of the solar panels for maximum output. The students also build windmills, focusing on blade design and wind direction in order to create the most power. These projects are extremely hands on and the students love them.The major components of this unit are already purchased, but we need voltmeters so students can accurately measure electrical output. It is necessary to purchase quality voltmeters that can withstand the repeated use of 4th graders.

Benefits of Program

This unit allows students to engage with hands on learning, centered around relevant 21st century issues. It requires students to build upon previous learning of electricity concepts. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate how electricity is generated using solar and wind sources. They actively experiment with factors that can enhance or obstruct energy production. Through hands-on engineering students master the following standards:

  • 4-ESS3-1: The student is expected to obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment. 
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: The student is expected to generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • 4-ESS3-1: The student is expected to obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment. 
  • 3-5-ETS1-2: The student is expected to generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Success of Program

The success of this program is defined by meeting learning goals around the aforementioned standards. Standards are assessed through our district science curriculum, STEM Scopes. In addition to written assessments, students have the opportunity to present their findings to the class and learn from other group demonstrations. 

Implementation

The requested voltmeters will be used during the the implementation of the Renewable Resource Unit. This unit is taught to all 4th graders in class. 

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

This grant will be used by all 4th graders. Additionally, our learning goals and assessment data will be evaluated at our grade level PLC (professional learning community) meetings. 

Sustainability
This is a "consumable" grant in the sense that is is intended for the one-time purchase of voltmeters. However, a lot of research has been done to make sure quality voltmeters that can stand the test of time will be purchased.
Amount Funded
$345.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$300 - 10 voltmeters
Budget Notes

Voltmeters were priced using consumer reports and tool reviews for best affordable voltmeter.

Shipping
$20.00
Taxes
$25.00
Other funding sources

Other funds are not available. 

Notes

Please feel free to direct any questions to jschwartz@ttusd.org