This activity shows students that magnetic fields can bend. The teacher relates magnets to the real world and the world of work by discussing them or by having students bring in games that use magnets, magnetic compasses, or other magnetic applications. They consider the specifications of the designs. They also discuss how heavy objects in scrap metal yards are moved by using huge electromagnets. Students use a magnet to test its strength of attraction through different substances such as paper, cardboard, water, cloth, glass, plastic, tin, or wood.
Students record the number of paper-clips the magnet can attract through each substance.
Students use a magnet to stroke various metallic objects to determine which metals can be made into magnets. They demonstrate their scientific skills and processes by engaging in investigations, formulating questions, and constructing models to represent their ideas. To assess how students interpret their data and draw simple conclusions, the teacher helps students construct a bar graph using the data from the magnetic strength tests. Students identify greatest and least strengths and compare their results with those of other students. Students draw conclusions from their results.