Children investigate synthetic rocks and learn techniques for identifying characteristics. These skills and processes are used to investigate a variety of other minerals. The unit is published by Encyclopaedia Britannica and has been enhanced by the Department of Academic Programs. This website offers an in depth look at earthquakes, what they are, how they form, etc. There is a lot of background information included for teachers yet easy enough for students to read.
Children investigate electricity and circuits.
They explore parts of a light bulb, conductors, insulators, single circuit diagrams, switches, and diodes. The unit culminates with students constructing and wiring a cardboard house of their own design. Electric Circuits was developed by the National Science Resources Center with support from the National Academy of Sciences and the Smithsonian Institution. Children construct, observe, discuss, and read about land and water ecosystems. They develop an awareness of living things and their basic needs.