Whether they pull together or push away from one another, magnets are sure-fire pupil pleasers! Take their study of magnetism to a new level with a fun interactive. Individuals control the polarity of two spheres to observe attractive or repulsive forces.

Concepts

negative charges, positive charges, magnets, magnetism, magnetic attraction

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners describe what happens to the speed of the spheres as they draw closer together and move farther apart
• Just getting started with magnetism? Use the interactive as an inquiry tool and let the class draw their own conclusions through observation

Classroom Considerations

• Schedule time in the computer lab so all students can work individually
• The resource is great for beginners and younger scientists

Pros

• The graphics are clean and simple, allowing for better focus on the competency the interactive is teaching
• Simulation responds quickly to user-initiated changes

Cons

• None