Magnetic Fields and Forces
In these two activities students explore magnets and magnetic fields, particularly Earth’s magnetic field. The first activity provides students with a hands-on experience that allows them to develop operational definitions of magnets, magnetic poles, and magnetic fields. They continue their exploration of magnetism by examining the effects of Earth’s magnetic field as evidenced by the existence of naturally magnetic rocks and the behavior of navigational compasses.
Details at a Glance
- 2-3 Days | 2-3 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 6 groups of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
Scientific Concepts
•The solid earth is layered with a lithosphere; hot convecting mantle; and dense, metallic core.
•Objects change their motion only when a net force is applied.
•Electricity and magnetism are two aspects of a single electromagnetic force. Moving electric charges produce magnetic forces and moving magnets produce electric forces. These effects help students understand electric motors and generators.
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher’s Guide
- 28 Student Worksheet and Guides
- 200 iron washers
- 12 bar magnets
- 6 magnetic field visualizers
- 6 navigational compasses
- 6 iron nails
- 6 lodestone rocks
- 6 30-mL cups
- 6 15-cm rulers
- 1 Transparency 1: Magnetic Fields
- 1 Transparency 2: Earth’s Magnetic Field
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