What do magnetic fields look like? The best way to learn about magnetic fields is to try identifying them for yourself. Scholars will understand the importance of magnetic fields after completing this experiment. The extension activities make this challenging for high school students as well. This is the final installment in a series of five lessons about planetary atmosphere.

Concepts

magnetic fields, the atmosphere, gravity, planets

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Additional Tags

science

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Classroom Considerations

• Keep all electronics and credit cards away from magnets at all times
• Prior knowledge required for base lesson include magnetic fields, space weather, and solar winds
• Prior knowledge required for extensions include electromagnetism, atmosphere, electromagnetic radiation, ionization, and solar wind on Mars
• Prior knowledge for the Going Even Further section includes all of the above plus algebra
• Gather all materials before class as they are not all standard science lab equipment
• Teacher assembles a model for each group before they enter the room

Pros

• Addresses common misconceptions
• Photographs of how to properly set up the experiment are included
• Grading rubric included
• Answer key included
• Extension activities for motivated learners

Cons

• Set-up time is 15 minutes and will be longer for larger classes

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3