University of Texas
Free-Body Diagram
Preparing for an AP test is about more than bubble sheets and memorization. The two activities in this resource require a direct application of skills learned throughout an AP Physics course.
Curated OER
Impact Craters Activity
Lunar explorers perform an experiment to understand the size of the craters on the surface of the moon. They layer flour, laundry detergent, and cocoa powder in a pan to model the lunar surface. They drop marbles from different heights...
Curated OER
The Magnetometer
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...
Curated OER
Activity Plan 4-5: Opposites Attract!
Students experiment with magnets and sort objects based on magnetism. In this hands-on physical science lesson, the children are introduced to magnetism through discussion and experimentation and have the opportunity to use different...
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Exploring Magnetic Fields
Students develop the concept that magnets attract and repel items and exert a magnetic field that can vary in strength.
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Magnets 2: How Strong is Your Magnet?
Students work together to test the strengths of various types of magnets. After testing, they create a graph showing how the strength changes as the distance from the magnet increases. They discuss how forces can act from various...
Curated OER
Magnetometer Extension Activities
Students observe magnetic fields and locate the position of "ore deposits" patterns using models and maps. For this magnetometer lesson students complete a hands on activity and a reading/writing exercise.
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Exploring Magnets
Second graders experiment with magnets. In this magnet lesson, 2nd graders attach a magnet to several different objects to see what it sticks to. They place objects in between a magnet and metal to see if the magnetic force still works.
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Magnets
Students explore the different types of magnets and their common uses. For this magnets lesson students create their own magnets.
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Magnets 1: Magnetic Pick-ups
Students are introduced to the power of magnets. In groups, they look at different objects and make predictions on whether they believe they are magnetic or not. They test their predictions and share their results with the class.
Science 4 Inquiry
Levitation Engineers: Exploring Forces
Levitation tricks have been documented from the early 1900s, so how do they do it? Scholars learn about the force of magnetism in an attractive resource. They watch videos and design experiments to understand the strength and...
Curated OER
Magnets
Students complete a series of experiments using magnets. In this physical science and magnetism lesson plan, students first predict and test the magnetic properties of various objects, then students determine if the size of a magnet...
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Magnetic Hangman
Fifth graders predict what happens when the north end of their bar magnets are placed near the north end of their hanging magnets.
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Magnets in a Bag
Fifth graders compare and contrast the patterns that they create using iron fillings and different types of magnets.
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Magnetic Mystery
Fourth graders investigate the poles of a magnet. For this magnet lesson, 4th graders explore what a magnet attracts and what it repels. Students view the N and S on magnets. students recognize that like poles repel and opposite poles...
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Permeability (Magnetism)
Students investigate magnetic permeability and saturation. In this physics instructional activity, students explain how current carrying wire coils create magnetic forces. They interpret normal magnetization curves.
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Floral Magnets
In this art project directions worksheet, children read detailed directions on how to make a silk flower magnet. A list of materials is provided and step by step procedure. A photograph is included of the finished product.
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Magnetic Storms
In this magnetic storms worksheet, students use a given formula for the volume of a ring-shaped disk to solve 2 questions about the total atoms present in the disk and the total mass of the Ring Current.
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Exploring Magnetism
Students participate in several activities that allow them to better understand magnetism. In this exploratory activity students take part in different activities to help them to better understand magnetic fields, circuits and...
Curated OER
What Do Magnets Do?
Second graders discover the physical properties of magnets. In this physics lesson, 2nd graders investigate the differences between natural and man made magnets and the uses of each. Students complete 4 separate RAFT assignments based...
PHET
Learning about Space Weather
Is the sun the only celestial body with magnetic fields? A guided discussion on the weather in space is designed with a mix of questions, discussions, explanations, and applications. Additionally, the resouce includes an article for...
University of Colorado
Terra Bagga
Earth's magnetic poles switch positions about every 200,000—300,000 years. In the activity, groups create a planet with a magnetic field. Once made, they use a magnetometer to determine the orientation of the planet's magnetic field....
American Museum of Natural History
Create a Compass
Historically, humans have used many methods of finding due north. Using a hands-on activity, learners create their own compasses. They then test their compasses in their neighborhood or to assist with stargazing.
NOAA
Make Your Own Compass
Scholars build a compass using a needle, cork, magnet, and a water-filled cup in order to locate the magnetic north and south.