Activity 2 - Attractions Use various magnets and magnetic materials to quantify the attraction force. Distribute the various magnets to the groups, along with a box of steel paper clips and steel washers. Predict how many paper clips a particular magnet will attract. Repeat for other magnets. Groups test and record observations.
Groups report out to form aggregate data.
Compare results to predictions. Brainstorm how to record, compile and graph data to determine which type of magnet was able to attract the greatest number of paper clips. Elicit inferences based on data. Ask participants to explore moving the magnetic objects along the tabletop without touching. Participants explore by placing magnet a distance from the objects and under the tabletop.