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Investigating Magnetism

Time Frame

2 class periods of 45 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Life Skills

  • Thinking & Reasoning
  • Communication

Authors

BROOKE HAIR

Summary

In this lesson students will learn how to use a GPS to find various types of magnets so they can investigate the behavior of magnetism.


Materials

For this lesson students will need a GPS unit for each group of students. You will also need various types of magnets ( e.g. bar magnet, disk magnet, horseshoe magnet.)


Background for Teachers

Websites

Before teaching the lesson teachers will need to be familiar with a GPS.


Student Prior Knowledge

Students will need to learn how to use a GPS.


Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to find magnets using a GPS. They will investigate and compare the behavior of magnetism using magnets.


Instructional Procedures

1. Place several kinds of magnets (e.g. bar, horseshoe, disk,) in containers for each group to find. Mark the waypoint for where you have placed the container. 2. Students will use the GPS units to find the magnets. Divide students into small groups before they go on the hunt. Each group will have the waypoint for the container they need to find. 3. Send the groups out to find the containers with the magnets. 4. When they return with their magnets have the students get together in their groups and compare the various types of magnets and their abilities to push or pull iron objects they are not touching. 5. Investigate how the magnets will both attract and repel other magnets. 6. In science journal record five observations they made while investigating the magnets.


Assessment Plan

The assessment will be the information they present from the findings they recorded in their journals.


Created: 04/30/2005
Updated: 10/05/2022
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