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NGSS · Grade 4

4-PS3-4 Design and test a device that converts energy from one form to another

Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

Clarification statement: Examples of devices could include electric circuits that convert electrical energy into motion energy of a vehicle, light, or sound; and, a passive solar heater that converts light into heat. Examples of constraints could include the materials, cost, or time to design the device.

Assessment boundary: Devices should be limited to those that convert motion energy to electric energy or use stored energy to cause motion or produce light or sound.

Why water teaches this standard well

A waterwheel that lifts a paper-clip load is a classic build for this standard: falling water's stored energy becomes motion students can measure. It is also the working principle of hydroelectric dams, giving the design challenge a direct line to real water infrastructure.

Materials tagged with this code are written to the full standard , including its clarification statement and assessment boundary, and each carries a written note explaining the alignment. See how we review materials.

4 materials aligned to 4-PS3-4

Lesson plans

Grade 4 Lesson plan

Lifting a Load with the Wexbury Mill Wheel

A 60-minute grade 4 lesson in which groups build a water wheel for a fictional mill, time how fast it lifts three washers, then change one feature and test again.

Science 60 min Answer key

Labs & experiments

Classroom activities

Quizzes & test questions