Fourth-grade class uses library space to learn how electricity works

Students in Steve Klein’s fourth-grade science classes at Bellefonte Elementary School worked collaboratively with librarian Brenna Estel to use electricity kits. It was a way for the students to explore how electricity works as an extension of the fourth-grade science curriculum.

Klein said the students were engaged in STEM and STEAM activities that utilized Little Bits. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math; the A in STEAM adds “arts” to the acronym. Little Bits are magnetic circuit components that, when connected in the correct way, will result in a completed circuit.

“Depending on the exact components of the circuit, a sound might be created or a part might move depending on what the student is asking the circuit to do,” Klein said.

After learning the basics about circuit design, students conducted extension activities in the library with Estel who regularly engages in STEM and STEAM activities with elementary school students.