Treehut
Suzy's World: Magnetism: Why Does a Compass Point North?
This fact sheet from Suzy's World and Suzy Cato explores how magnetism works, including "why a compass points north." Content includes fun facts, an experiment, and the ability to make your own compass.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Magnetic Field of the Earth
This site is a description of the earth's magnetic field, including a section on the "Dynamo effect," a proposed explanation for the origin of the earth's magnetic field.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Fun and Interesting Facts About Magnets
Discusses some history of magnets, the science of magnetism, and interesting facts about them.
Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Geography: South Pole
Information about the Geographic South Pole. Explains how it is defined, the marker (which must be adjusted each year due to ice movements) that identifies its location, and 'other' South Poles, i.e., the Ceremonial South Pole and the...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Fifth Grade Science: Physical Science: Earth as a Magnet
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Looks at the Earth as a magnet and how Earth's magnetism benefits living things.
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Make a Compass
Learn how to make a simple compass right at home. [1 min, 21 secs]
PBS
Pbs Teachers:magnetic Storm: Visualizing Magnetic Fields
Explore the magnetic fields around different shapes of magnets.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Magnets
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart helps students differentiate between and identify objects that are attracted by a magnet and those that are not attracted by a magnet.
Physics4kids
Physics4 Kids: Electricity and Magnetism: Magnetic Fields
Explains magnetic fields, how they differ from electric fields, and attraction and repulsion.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: How Do Magnets Work?
During this instructional activity students will examine magnets and determine that they have two poles (north and south). They will observe which poles attract and which poles repel.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Compass Poles: Earth's Magnetic Field
[Free Registration/Login Required] A site containing an animation of a compass and a short quiz over the topic.
Other
Stanford University: Probing What You Can't See
Students will investigate magnetic forces and poles using a refrigerator magnet.
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).
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.
Other
Childu: Compass:over the Edge
Do you know what a 'compass rose' is? Follow this interactive animation to learn how to use a magnetic compass properly. Easy to understand; aimed for younger students.
University of New South Wales (Australia)
University of New South Wales: Einstein Light
Einstein Light highlights the Theory of Special Relativity and related topics. Learn how Galileo, Maxwell, and Einstein contributed to our knowledge of relativity, electricity, magnetism, and time by watching fun, interactive modules.
NOAA
Noaa: Make Your Own Compass [Pdf]
Build a compass to help you figure out which direction is north or south.
Other
Family Education Network: Heavy Metal
An engaging site that provides interesting facts about magnets. Solve a problem and discover how to create a compass.
NASA
Nasa: Image Science Center: Ask the Space Scientist Earth
Site from NASA contains a collection of 91 questions pertaining to the Earth's atmosphere, magnetic field, ionosphere, rotation and origin of life.
Curated OER
Science Kids: Science Images: Magnet Poles
This photo clearly shows that like poles of a magnet repel each other. This effect can be quite strong. In this image, as a child holds down the top magnet down with their fingers, it looks like the top magnet is floating due to the...
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Make Your Own Compass
Students create their own magnetic compass.
Other
Space Weather Center: Our Protective Shield
The Earth's magnetosphere helps shield us from cosmic and solar radiation. This segment offers a great explanation of this abstract concept along with numerous images and diagrams. An interactive game is provided as well.