Grades 3–5 · 8 connected explanations
Energy & Motion
Connect a circuit, a moving magnet and stored energy. Then follow movement into air, rock and a suddenly slipping fault.
Machines
How does a switch turn a bulb on?
A complete circuit connects a power source with a working bulb.
Machines
How does a doorbell button make a chime sound?
A doorbell shows how an electrical input can cause mechanical movement and sound.
Systems
How can a hand-crank flashlight shine after the handle stops?
A hand-crank flashlight connects human movement, energy storage and light.
Machines
How do bicycle gears change the ride?
Bicycle gears change the relationship between turning parts.
Machines
Why does a trampoline push a jumper back upward?
A trampoline connects deformation with energy stored and returned.
Earth & Space
Why can a cool breeze blow from the sea on a sunny day?
Uneven warming of land and sea can help set air in motion.
Earth & Space
What makes a volcano erupt?
Pressure and moving material also help explain a volcanic eruption.
Earth & Space
Why can a fault move suddenly in an earthquake?
A locked fault can store deformation before a sudden slip releases energy.