Scientists need to figure out how to measure interplanetary magnetic fields, but the magnetic field of the spacecraft is interfering with their readings. Scholars attempt to solve the problem that has perplexed NASA scientists for years.

What better way to understand how an object works than to make one! Learners take what they learned in the previous lessons and construct their own compasses. Using a needle, water, and styrofoam, they build and test compasses and verify...

Attract learners to an interesting lesson! The third in a 14-part series of lessons on electricity and magnetism uses a hands-on approach to exploring magnetic fields. Scholars experiment with a compass to test Earth's magnetic field and...

How do magnetic fields differ? Allow scholars to see the difference between 2-D and 3-D magnetic fields. They construct models of both and observe how they are similar and different. It is the fifth installment of an 18-part unit.

No GPS allowed! High school scientists continue to explore magnetic fields with a hands-on activity. After mapping the ambient magnetic field in the classroom and completing data analysis, they write about the similarities and...

Introduce your class to magnetic fields with an activity that demonstrates that a compass is affected by the magnetic field of the earth, unless a closer, stronger magnetic field is present. Pupils can use this fact in the...

Physical or earth science pupils prepare a magnetometer by inducing magnetism into a pair of straight pins. As the pins hang from a thread, they can be used to detect the magnetic field or poles of a magnet. They could also be used as a...

Students explore magnetism.  In this "magnets" science lesson, students make a compass with common household items and explain the relationship between what a compass does and the earth's magnetic fields.

Young scholars map magnetic fields of a magnet using a compass and predict where fields cancel each other to create 'Bermuda Triangles'. In this magnetism lesson, students use a compass to map the magnetic field of a magnet. They explain...

Students explore how compass and Gauss meter detect a magnetic field. For this physics lesson, students build their own Gauss meter and sensor based on given procedure. They cite real world applications of magnetism.

This set of seven activities attracts physical science stars to concepts concerning magnetism. Pupils play with a lodestone, magnets, needles, and iron filings to understand magnetic forces, fields, and applications. If you are new to...

Young scholars make a compass.  In this magnetism lesson plan, students use the Internet to research magnetic fields and perform an experiment to find the magnetic fields around different magnets.  Young scholars use the...

Emerging electricians build a simple ammeter for making measurements on an electric current. They test the placement of solar cells in both series and parallel circuits and examine the magnetic field produced by the movement of electrons...

Fifth graders construct a water compass to investigate the effects of Earth's magnetic field and other sources of magnetism. They predict, observe and draw conclusions from their investigation.

Fifth graders, in groups, create paper bag "globes", complete with magnetic poles. They use compasses to determine and label various locations (N. and S. Poles, Prime Meridian, Equator, etc.) and finish it by drawing in the continents...

Students explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.

Give your class a magnetic charge with this creative experiment designed to teach emerging scientists about electromagnetism. Pupils construct a model that demonstrates the function of an electrical generator and test this creation in a...

Young scholars design a simple compass. They examine how the Earth's magnetic field has both horizontal and vertical components. They determine how a compass works and work with cardinal directions.

Fifth graders explore the components of a compass and how it is utilized to determine geographical directions. The magnetic field of Earth and the magnet used to magnetize the needle used in the experiment are compared and contrasted in...

Students identify magnetism and describe its meaning. Students discuss different types of magnets and list various ways magnets can be used. Students record observations of each magnet, like and different, and whether one has a larger...

Students investigate magnetic evidence that supports the theory of sea floor spreading.

Students experiment with magnetism. For this science lesson, students are divided into cooperative learning groups and use the scientific method to test their hypothesis. Each group performs a different experiment.

Students explore magnetic fields. In this science lesson, students create a magnetic field using electricity. Students observe the effect of a magnetic field on the compass needle.

Young scholars explore the generation of magnetic fields from currents in wires and measure the magnetic field directions. They measure magnetic fields in their own environment. They also examine how moving magnetic fields can create...