Lesson Plan #:AELP-PHS0023
Magnets
An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan
Submitted by:
Rebecca Boak, Raymond Gabaldon, Los Lunas, NM
Endorsed by:
These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the
Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teachers from
14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural,
western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that
allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers
that they have met at the Workshops.
Date:
May 1994
Grade Level(s):
2, 3
Subject(s):
OVERVIEW:
- Magnets are pieces of metal that have the power to attract other pieces of
metal
- Magnets attract objects made of iron or steel
- Magnets have a 'N' and 'S' pole
- Like poles push away or repel
- Different poles pull together or attract
OBJECTIVE (s):
Classify objects attracted and not attracted by magnets. Analyze materials of
objects used. Predict the poser of a unit magnet. Make a nail magnet
MATERIALS:
- large nail
- bar magnet
- small tacks
- metal paper clips
- Worksheets
Worksheets in .pdf format; requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click the icon to obtain the free Reader.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. Experiment with magnets and various objects. Classify 'Do's' and 'Don'ts'.
2. Analyze the material each object is made of.
3. Predict and then test the power of a unit magnet. Predict and then test the power
of two unit magnets. Predict and then test the power of three unit magnets.
4. Complete a worksheet on each of the above activities.
5. Make your own nail magnet.
Note: See the Materials section for worksheets.