Magnet Mania

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In this activity, learners explore the relationship between electric charges and magnetic fields. Learners create a magnetic field using electricity and observe its effect on the magnetic needle of a compass.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 2 Batteries (try 1.5V or AA batteries)
  • 2 pieces of insulated conducting wire, each around 20 cm long (8 inches) with one cm of each end stripped of its insulating coat
  • Compass (found at any Radio Shack or outdoor equipment store)
  • Permanent magnets found at toy stores or scientific supply stores
  • Masking tape or electrical tape (to tape wires to terminals)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
      • Electric Circuits
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, University of Kansas, 2006

Funding Sources:

  • University of Kansas
  • National Science Foundation, EPS-0236913
  • State of Kansas through the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation
  • National Science Foundation, EPP-0354836
  • National Science Foundation, EPS-90903806
  • Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
  • Google