Magnet Attraction

Lynn Swanberg, Taylors Falls Elementary, Taylors Falls, MN.
Based on actvities in Mudpies to Magnets, by Robert Williams, Robert Rockwell and Elizabeth Sherwood.p.23,24,30
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Summary

In this physics activity students will investigate magnets and what they attract.They will observe what happens. They will explore with magnets. They will ask questions. They will predict outcomes. They will discuss their findings with others. They will record their findings in a science journal.

Learning Goals

Students will learn;
1. Data analysis
2. Questioning
3. Observation
Concepts:
What is a magnet?
What will a magnet attract?
How strong is a magnet?
Vocabulary words:
magnet
magnetic
iron filings
attract
force field

Context for Use

This activity is appropriate for grades K-2.
This is set up as a science center to be used for at least one week.
Students should spend at least 15 minutes exploring at the center.
Students should have a science journal and know how to use it.

Description and Teaching Materials

This is set up as a science magnet center.
you will need:
1. A collection of many magnet of many sizes and shapes.
2. A set of objects that will and won't be attracted.
3.Magnetic letters, puzzles and games.
4. Books about magnets.
5. Science journal
6. Magnet Boxes.
To make the magnet boxes you will need several shallow boxes with plastic lids.(like a stationary box.)
Place iron filings in a box and tape shut with duct tape.
Place paper clips in a box and tape shut with duct tape.
Place non attracting items in 2 boxes.
Demonstrate how to move the magnet on the bottom of the box and watch what happens.
You may want to make more boxes depending on the size of the class.
Students will explore the center for one week.
The children will draw or write what they observe in their journal.
They will predict what will happen.
They will classify what is attracted and what is not.
They will share what they learned at an end of the week class science meeting led by the teacher.

Teaching Notes and Tips

The vocabulary words should be written on sentence strips.
This lesson is less structured than I have used in the past but, gave the students more hands on time and a better understanding of magnets.

Assessment

The end of the week science meeting will let the teacher know if the concepts were learned and the goals met. Journal entries will also show understanding.

Standards

1.1.1.1.2 Describe and observe.(2009)

References and Resources