Exploratorium
Magnetic Pendulums
Passing a copper wire coil through a magnetic field influences another coil to also sway. It is with this demonstration that you can teach your physical science fans about electromagnetism. Note that the assembly requires about an hour,...
Teach Engineering
Drawing Magnetic Fields
Class members use a compass and several points to map out the magnetic field of a magnet. Pairs trace the magnetic field lines produced by a permanent magnet by positioning the compass in numerous spots around the magnet to view the...
International Technology Education Association
Tidy Up Those Sloppy Force Fields!
It is just magnetic. This resource presents the concept of Earth's and another planet's magnetic field and how spacecrafts detect them. Learners study a problem using magnetometers and participate in three experiments to come up with a...
DiscoverE
Electromagnetic Fishing Pole
Let's go fishing ... for paper clips! Individuals create a device that attracts paper clips. This device relies on an electromagnetism, where a flow of electricity in a loop of wire wrapped around a nail causes magnetism.
DiscoverE
Levitating Train
Levitation isn't just for magicians. Pupils design and build a small portion of track for a maglev train using magnets and Lego bricks. The goal is to get the trains to levitate—without using magic!
Exploratorium
Diamagnetism
If you are attracted to activities dealing with diamagnetism, here is a rare find that you will appreciate. With a neodymium magnet and a few common materials, move a pair of juicy grapes without touching them. Though the fruit is...
It's About Time
AC and DC Currents
An informative physics lesson includes two teacher demonstrations, one on AC currents and the other on DC currents, allowing pupils to take notes while watching. The resource includes questions to assign as homework or...
Curated OER
Fishing Pole
Students create a fishing pole for magnets. In this magnet lesson, students create a fishing pole with a magnet on the end. Students then "fish" and try to find things that are magnetic.
It's About Time
Electromagnets
Young scientists build their own electromagnet and test it by picking up paperclips. Analysis questions evaluate knowledge at the end of the activity.
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.
Florida Center for Reading Research
Phonics: High-Frequency Words, Word Fishing
To practice reading high-frequency words fluently, learners play a fishing game at a learning center. They take turns fishing; each fish contains a single high-frequency word. To keep the fish they caught, they must be able to read the...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Strength of an Electromagnet
Has anyone ever told you that you have a magnetic personality? Have you ever heard that opposites attract? These common phrases are both based on the properties of magnets and magnetic electricity. In this science fair project, learn how...
Other
Magnet Man: Cool Experiments With Magnets
Here is a lengthy listing of activities and resources pertaining to magnets and magnetism. Experiments which can be performed with many different types of magnets are described; detailed directions and photos are provided.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Magnetic Attraction
Students complete a series of six short investigations involving magnets to learn more about their properties. Students also discuss engineering uses for magnets and brainstorm examples of magnets in use in their everyday lives.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Investigating With Magnets: Attraction and Repelling
In this fun lab activity, students will learn about the attraction and repulsion of magnets. Students will discover that like poles repel while unlike poles attract.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Drawing Magnetic Fields
Students use a compass and a permanent magnet to trace the magnetic field lines produced by the magnet. By positioning the compass in enough spots around the magnet, the overall magnet field will be evident from the collection of arrows...
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.
Read Works
Read Works: Electric and Magnetic Forces and the Modern Day Compass
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about how a compass works using electromagnetic force. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.