Download Exploring Batteries

Remembering
Exploring Batteries
Exploring Planets
Exploring Insects
List as many uses for household batteries as
you can think of.
Name as many different sized batteries as
you can.
Write down all the places where you can
buy batteries.
List the prices of different batteries by
looking through store catalogues.
Define each of the following terms
associated with our study of the Sun, the
Moon and the planets: solar system, orbit,
asteroids, comets, meteors, carters, gravity,
light year, moon, sun spots, and phases of
the moon and Earth. Add any other words
you think are important. Use these words
and their definitions to make a set of flash
cards or a glossary.
Briefly describe the major characteristics of
each of the nine planets.
Brainstorm a list of insects, at least one
insect for each letter of the alphabet.
Group you list as helpful or harmful insects.
Understanding Describe the composition of a battery.
Draw and label the parts of a battery.
Describe how a battery works.
Applying
Analysing
Evaluating
Creating
Choose an insect to research. Make a
collection of ten statements about your
insect, five that are facts and five that are
not facts. Write each on a separate file
card. Give the cards to a friend and see if
he or she can tell fact from fiction.
Demonstrate or draw a series of diagrams
Construct a model of our solar system using Interview ten people to find out which
illustrating how to properly insert a battery a variety of differently textured materials to insect each dislikes the most. Graph the
into a torch, a tape recorder or alarm clock. represent the planets.
results and draw conclusions from your
findings.
Determine ways the battery has changed the Many planets are named after gods and
Search for the names of insects to finish
following markets: toys, small appliances,
goddesses from mythology. Explain why
these similes or comparisons:
and health aids.
you think some of these names were
As noisy as a …, As lovely as a …, As fast as
chosen.
a …, As funny as …, As leggy as a …, As
annoying as a …, As tiny as a …, As popular
as a …, As unusual as a …, As bright as a …
What criteria would you set up to evaluate
Many people believe there is life on other
If you had to become an insect, which would
a particular brand of battery? How would
planets that is more advanced than the life
you be? Support your choice with at least
you use these criteria to select your next
on Earth. Describe how you feel about this five reasons.
battery?
idea and try to justify your thoughts with
important facts and figures.
Invent a new toy that operates on batteries. Construct an original mnemonic device to
Combine parts of several different insects to
Draw your design and indicate how and
help you remember the names of the
create a new kind of insect. Draw a picture
where the batteries are to be installed.
planets in order of their distance from the
of the insect and label the parts.
sun, beginning with Mercury.
Adapted from planning included in: Forte, Imogene and S. Schurr. (1997). The All-New Science Mind Stretchers: Interdisciplinary Units to Teach Science Concepts and Strengthen
Thinking Skills. Cheltenham, Vic.: Hawker Brownlow.