Magnet Tower

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In this activity, learners build magnetic towers to explore the forces and properties of magnets. This activity allows learners to experiment and play with magnets and feel first-hand the force of magnets pushing and pulling. Note: this activity requires the use of a drill and saw, which are not included in the cost of materials. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 block of wood (2 x 4)
  • 6" 1/4" dowel
  • 4 donut magnets that fit loosely on the dowel
  • 1 pencil
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 piece of aluminum wire or a can
  • paperclips
  • paper
  • rubber bands
  • plastic beads/buttons
  • drill with bit 15/64"
  • sandpaper
  • saw

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
      • Earth's Magnetic Field
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Mission Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Mission Science Workshop, 2013