TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Magnetic Launcher
Students explore electromagnetism and engineering concepts using optimization techniques to design an efficient magnetic launcher. Groups start by algebraically solving the equations of motion for the velocity at the time when a...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What Is Going on With Grandma?
Students are introduced to the concepts of the challenge question. First independently, and then in small groups, they generate ideas for solving the grand challenge introduced in the associated lesson: Your grandmother has a fractured...
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: The Sun Earth Connection: Planet Magnet
Hands-on activities help young scholars develop an understanding of Earth's magnetic field. Students use iron filings to explore the magnetic field around a magnet, record their observations, then apply their experience with the magnet...
PBS
Pbs Kids:activities and Videos: Electricity
This PBS site offers videos and activities are hands-on challenges that focus on the engineering design process. They use simple materials, allow for multiple solutions, and are ideal for ages 9-12.
NASA
Nasa Space Place: Sunspots and Solar Flares
Learn about sunspots and solar flares and the effects of solar activity on Earth.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Mri Safety Grand Challenge
This module was written for a first year accelerated or AP physics class. It is intended to provide hands on activities to teach end of the year electricity and magnetism topics including the magnetic force, magnetic moments and torque,...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: May the Magnetic Force Be With You
This lesson begins with a demonstration of the deflection of an electron beam. Students then review their knowledge of the cross product and the right hand rule with sample problems. After which, students study the magnetic force on a...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Magnets, Electromagnets & Fields of Force
A teacher lesson plan which includes several student activities on magnetism, force fields, and magnetic induction. May provide an idea for a student project or lab investigation.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Magnet Muscles (Lesson Plan)
A teacher lesson plan which includes a station lab; students navigate through four stations with separate activities on magnetic principles. Easily adaptable as a student project.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Transmission Lines
Electricity goes through some ups and downs on its way from the power plant to your house. See how it works in this interactive activity.
University of Kentucky
Virtual Workshop: The Course on Electricity & Magnetism
On line course on Electricity and Magnetism for graduate credit or professional development, that emphasizes hands on activities you can use in your classroom.
Other
Bc Hydro: Power Smart for Schools: Electromagnetism
This set of activities has students using everyday items (batteries, magnets, compasses, iron and paper clips) to reveal the connection between electricity and magnetism. Ideally, students will already have experience building simple...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Magnets (Lesson Plan)
A teacher lesson plan which includes six hands-on activities regarding magnets. Young scholars will be able to experience magnetism; explain how magnets, magnetic poles and magnetic fields are related; and formulate the force law for...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: About Magnets (Lesson Plan)
This site provides a lesson plan which includes a hands-on activity about magnetism and magnetic fields. Parts of the plan would be easily adaptable as a student project (for any grade level).
National Geographic
National Geographic: Build a Magnetometer
Hands-on project where the learner constructs a magnetometer to monitor and measure changes in earth's magnetic field. These changes can then be used to track solar storms.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Fish and Clip
Primary activity to help "students understand some of the characteristics of magnets." Would work well in conjunction with a theme on underwater creatures or fish.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry: Online Science: Build an Electric Motor
Step-by-step illustrated instructions show how to build a simple electric motor using everyday materials to make a wire coil spin. An explanation of the science involved is given at the end, as well as tips on troubleshooting any...
American Chemical Society
American Chemical Society: Science for Kids: Characteristics of Materials
Engaging hands-on science lessons for grades 2-6 on the properties of different materials.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Introduction to Magnets (Classroom Unit)
A teacher unit which includes several hands-on activities about types of magnets, magnetism, and electrostatics. An activity designed to suit all grade levels. Many parts of the activity would be easily adaptable as a student project.
PBS
Pbs Kids: Design Squad: Build: Inspector Detector
This challenge requires you to design and build a device that can pass above a surface and detect magnetic fields.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Put a Spark in It! Electricity
Uncountable times every day "with the merest flick of a finger"each one of us calls on electricity to do our bidding. What would your life be like without electricity? Students begin learning about electricity with an introduction to the...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: You'll Get a Charge Out of This!
In this activity, students make a battery using different fruits and vegetables, a copper penny, and a zinc washer. They use a voltage probe to collect data on voltage and compare the values of different batteries.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Changing Fields
This instructional activity begins with an activity in which students induce EMF in a coil of wire using magnetic fields. Then, demonstrations on Eddy currents show how a magnetic field can slow magnets just as Eddy currents are used to...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Satellites Orbit the Sun to Better Predict Solar Storms
For the first time, NASA scientists have generated a full image of the sun, front and back, using twin orbiting satellites. The new view of Earth's star will allow for the study of solar weather events like coronal mass ejections that...