Overview and Background: Unit: Magnetic Force Investigation

Joyce Foley : Cheney USD 268

Science. : Science : Science

Cheney : Grades 4 - 4 : Aug. - Jun.

Title:	Magnetic Force Investigation
Topics:	Magnets, Scientific method
Time Frame:
Start Date:	-
Status:	Draft
Date Revised:

Other Designers:

Summary:
This unit looks at the properties of magnets and the scientific method.

Print Materials Needed:

Resources:
Foss Science Unit - Magnetism and Electricity Module
Balance scale with 2 plastic cups
Doughnut magnet on a stick
Doughnut magnet
Washers
Scientific Method Worksheet and Outline (URLs below)

Resource Attachments:	http://www.cheney268.com/Learning/Organizers/ScientificMethod%20.htm
Internet Resource Links: Link 1:http://whyfiles.news.wisc.edu/ Link 2:http://www.askanexpert.com/ Link 3:http://howstuffworks.com/ Link 4:http://ipl.org/youth/projectguide Link 5:http://nyelabs.kcts.org/ Link 6:http://www.cheney268.com/4th/foley/ScientificMethodWorksheet.htm

Stage 1: Identify Desired Results

State:	KS
Title:	Science
Standard(s):	1:1.1 Ask questions that they can answer by investigating. 1:1.2 Plan and do a simple experiment. 2:1.2 Classify objects by the materials from which they are made. 2:4.1 Demonstrate that magnets attract and repel. 2:4.2 Design a simple experiment to determine whether various objects will be attracted to magnets. 6:1.1 Discuss that safety involves freedom from danger, risk, or injury.

Understandings:
user	Some objects and materials are attracted to magnets and others are not. Two magnets will either attract or repel. Magnetic force provides some useful technology in society.

Essential Questions:
User	What can magnets do? Are all magnets the same? Why do magnets sometimes attract and sometimes repel? How is magnetic force used in the world around us?

Knowledge and Skills:

K
Name some properties of magnets.
How did magnets interact with other objects?
What would/would not stick to your magnet?
What was in the objects that would make it stick to the magnet?

Vocabulary:
attract, force, iron, magnet, repel

Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence

Assessment Summary:
The students will assume the roles of inventors, using a magnet or electromagnet to create an invention that will serve a practical function. They will need to build their creation and prepare an explanation of how their invention works & the principles of magnetism that it is based on for the Invention Fair.

Task/Prompt: Inventors with Magnetism

Type: Performance Task

Topics: Magnets, Scientific method

Summary:
The students will assume the role of inventors, using a magnet or electomagnet to create an invention that will serve a practical function. They will need to build their creation and prepare an explanation of how their invention works & the principles of magnetism that it is based on for the Invention Fair.

Print Materials Needed:

Resources:

Resource Attachments:

Internet Resource Links:
Link 1: http://
Link 2: http://
Link 3: http://
Link 4: http://
Link 5: http://

Notes:

Student Directions:
You are an inventor. You need to create an invention that uses a magnet or electromagnet to serve a practical function. You need to build your creation and prepare an explanation of how your invention works & the principles of magnetism that it is based on for the Invention Fair.

Key Criteria:
Mechanically sound, thoroughly explained, useful.

Other assessment evidence to be collected:

Stage 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction

Learning Activities:

W
Describe the properties of the object. What can it do?
Explore the classroom to determine what will and won't stick to the magnet.
Before the exploration begins, caution students about magnetic hazards. (Keep computer disks, audio and video cassettes, credit cards, and antique watches away from the magnets.)
Discuss the vocabulary words: magnet and iron.


H
Distribute a single magnet to each student so the students don't notice that the magnets are sticking to each other. Introduce them as an object keeping it a secret for a while that they are magnets. In pairs let them put to the magnets together to see what happens.


E
Mystery Object Activity
1. Each student team (pair) needs to get a bag of mystery objects. Predict which objects will/will not stick to the magnet. Record the results on a sheet of paper by making two columns: sticks and does not stick.
2. Individually, write about any objects which surprised you by the results.
3. Allow time for exploration to find out what happens when two magnets interact. While they are doing this, suggest to each table that they might want to put all their magnets on a pencil to see how 4 magnets interact.
4. Discuss vocabulary words: attract, repel, and force.

Washer Activity
1. The teacher will demonstrate the balance setup which includes: a. Insert the magnet-on-a-post in the little well on the balance base. b. Place a cup on each side of the balance beam.
c. Position a magnet inside the cup right over the post magnet.

2. The teacher will place some large washers in the cup opposite the magnets until the force is broken and the two magnets separate. Show the students how to bring the balance beam back to a level position to see if the magnets will still hold. If the magnets will again hold, the force has not yet been broken and another washer must be added. If you can reset the balance beam the force has not been broken. Continue this procedure until the force has been broken.

3. Each student team (pair) will use the balance setup to find out how many washers it takes to break the force of attraction between the two magnets.


R
In small groups students will review each other's final project, checking that the explanation and project meet the "invention" guidelines.

E
The students will assume the roles of inventors, using a magnet or electromagnet to create an invention that will serve a practical function. They will need to build their creation and prepare an explanation of how their invention works & the principles of magnetism that it is based on for the Invention Fair.

Notes:

The mystery objects bag should include the following fifteen items: aluminum nail, brass ring, cardboard, plastic chip, copper, foil, paper clip, popsicle stick, magnetite rock, rubber band, screw, sponge, spoon, steel nail, and a straw.