Magnetic Exploration Part 5: Magnetic Mystery Box
Subject: Physics
Grade Level(s): Grade 4
Topic: Magnetism
Big Idea(s):
- Students know that magnets have two poles (north and south) and that like poles repel each other while unlike poles attract each other.
- Students know how to build a simple compass and use it to detect magnetic effects, including Earth’s magnetic field.
- Differentiate observation from inference (interpretation) and know scientists’ explanations come partly from what they observe and partly from how they interpret their observations.
- Formulate and justify predictions based on cause-and-effect relationships.
- Conduct multiple trials to test a prediction and draw conclusions about the relationships between predictions and results.
- Follow a set of written instructions for a scientific investigation.
What you need:
- Compass
- Magnetic Mystery Box
- Dry Erase Marker
Grouping: Work independently.
Summary:
Magnetic Mystery Box; is a challenge activity in which you will use compasses and
filed mapping paper to locate and characterize hidden magnets.
Learning Goals / Objectives:
1.) Students will gain a hands on understanding of many properties of permanent magnets. In particular they will learn
- About magnetic poles and their interactions with each other
- How to visualize and measure magnetic fields
- What materials are magnetic and what materials are not magnetic
- How to characterize the field strength of a permanent magnet
Anticipatory Set:
Driving Questions
1.) How do magnets work?
2.) How does a compass work?
3.) How can we “see” magnetic fields?
Instructions / Activities:
This is a challenge activity. Your job is to use a compass to characterize magnets hidden in a sealed box. You should be able to determine:
1.) Where the magnets are.
2.) What the orientation of each magnet is. (Which way is north? South?)
3.) Can you predict the shape?
Hint: you may need to look up at the field maps posted in the front of the room for more info. When you think you have accomplished this, open your box and check your results. You will have to be very careful when removing magnets from the mystery box. You need to keep track of their location and physical orientation. You will then have to identify the North and South pole of each magnet using a compass. Good luck!! !
Assessment:
Teacher’s Discretion
Wrap-up / Closure:
Teacher’s Discretion
Attachments:
These materials are contained in a kit in our Library!
