| Duration: |
20 minutes |
| Content Focus: |
Science |
| Description |
Students will begin their study of magnets by testing objects around the room to see if they are magnetic or not. |
| Goal |
To illustrate that magnets produce an invisible force, and that some things respond to magnetic force or pull, others do not. |
| Objectives |
Students will...
- find items in the classroom that are and are not magnetic.
- begin to formulate hypotheses about what magentism is.
|
| Standards |
Indiana Academic Standards
2.1.1 Manipulate an object to gain additional information about it.
3.1.2 Participate in different types of guided scientific investigations, such as observing objects and events and collecting specimens of analysis.
3.1.3 Keep and report records of investigations and observations using tools, such as journals, charts, graphs, and computers.
3.2.3 Keep a notebook that describes observations and is understandable weeks or months later.
5.2.4 Keep a notebook that describes observations and is understandable weeks or months later.
|
| Materials & Preparation |
- chart paper and markers
- 10 to 15 horseshoe magnets
- science journals
|
| Participants Needed |
entire class, in pairs |
| Procedures |
- Introduce the unit of study. Display chart paper with the heading, "What we already know about magnets." As students offer responses, record them on the chart. Do not correct the students' inaccurate responses. This will be helpful in ascertaining the students? prior knowledge, including accurate and inaccurate assumptions. This chart can be referred throughout the unit of study as a way for students to reflect upon their learning and to rethink inaccurate ideas.
- The study of magnets begins with an open exploration of magnetic and non-magnetic objects. Provide each pair of students with a horseshoe magnet. Have the students work with a partner to go on a "magnetic hunt." They explore the room, predicting what objects are magnetic and what objects are not magnetic. As they test their hypotheses, they record their findings in their science journals. **IMPORTANT: It might be a good idea to tell students which objects they should not test with magnets, i.e. computer screens, computer disks, audio cassette tapes, etc.
- Have students come back together to share their findings. Discuss any objects the students found in common. Allow students to share any other observations or things they noticed in experimenting with the magnets.
|
| Assessment |
Teacher evaluates student responses and science journals. |
| Extensions |
N/A |
