Liz C's List: Magnetism Curriculum Project

• force of attraction

• first in a two-lesson s
• By exploring magnets, students are indirectly introduced to the idea that there are forces that occur on earth which cannot be seen. This idea can then be developed into an understanding that objects, such as the earth or electrically charged objects, can pull on other objects.
• In later years, students will learn about gravitational force and how electric currents and magnets can exert a force as well.
• Students at this level should have already discovered that magnets can make an object move without touching it. What they may not have paid attention to is the type of materials that move and do not move when near a magnet.
• look at various objects, make predictions about whether they are magnetic, and then test their predictions
• discover how barriers and increased distance can vary the strength of a magnet.
• (students should not have magnets at this time
• study all the objects and then classify or group them based on what they know about the materials
• choose to sort by size, shape, material make-up, weight, or some other scheme
• have them record their sorting method on the student sheet,
• have each group share one of its methods
• Now hold up a bar or horseshoe magnet and ask students the following questions:
• Assessment
• You may wish to discuss more specifically that iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic.
• some metals (e.g., copper and aluminum) are not attracted to magnets.

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• The part about holding up the magnet and asking the questions could be a great way to access prior knowledge of magnets and this could be incorporated into the lesson if there is enough time. - Liz C on 2013-02-25