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.
Scientific Concepts:
Objects change their motion only when a net force is applied.
The solid earth is layered with a lithosphere; hot convecting mantle; and dense, metallic core
Moving electric charges produce magnetic force fields.
Content List:
1Teacher's Guide
28Student Worksheet and Guides
200iron washers
12bar magnets
6magnetic field visualizers
6navigational compasses
6iron nails
6lodestone rocks
630-mL cups
615-cm rulers
1Transparency 1: Magnetic Fields
1Transparency 2: Earth's Magnetic Field
Classroom Planning:
To complete the two activities in this kit will require two to three ~55 minute periods.