Final activities entail germinating seeds that students have gathered from the plants and exploring tropisms. They build and experiment with a water clock and investigate the characteristics of the pendulum. Finally, they apply what they have learned to assemble and evaluate a clock escapement and modify the device in order to make it more accurate. The unit provides students an opportunity to learn how to measure time, to investigate machines, to explore concepts such as energy and motion, and to learn about the science of astronomy. The unit includes information on the historical development of scientists' understanding of the use of magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetism.
Students begin by studying magnets and making a compass.
They then investigate the relationship between magnetism and electricity, as they explore the characteristics of switches and circuits. Finally, the students experiment with three different motors. Applying their learning and experience, they dismantle, experiment with, and reassemble a manufactured motor. The Technology of Paper In The Technology of Paper, students explore the properties of paper, make paper by hand, and discover how the properties of paper relate to how it is used. Students read about industrial papermaking and explore hand papermaking.