Physical Sciences K-8: Magnetism and Magnetic Force

Magnetism and Magnetic Force « Physical Sciences K-8 « Courses «

Magnetism and Magnetic Force

This topic is broken into units to help in formulating cohesive, effective lessons. Clicking on each unit title below will display appropriate activities, lesson plans, or labs.

Unit materials are a subset of all possible materials available for this topic, selected especially with the new physics teacher in mind. You may instead browse all materials for this topic here.

Physical Sciences K-8 Magnetism and Magnetic Force Units

Magnetic fields can be defined as the regions surrounding a magnet where a moving electric charge will feel a force of attraction or repulsion. Invisible magnetic field lines emerge from the North pole of a magnet and enter the South pole. Field lines can be visualized by sprinkling small iron filings over a magnet covered by a clear sheet of plastic. When a compass (or any freely floating bar magnet) points north, it is actually aligning its north pole to the Earth's magnetic south pole.

What is Magnetism? (1)

Student Tutorials:

NDT Resource Center: Magnetism Tutorial

This resource is a student tutorial on magnetism appropriate for middle school or 9th grade Physical Science. It is organized into sequenced headings that each contain interactive simulations and reflective questions. The first half of the tutorial gives students a conceptual framework to understand properties of magnets and magnetic behavior. The topics then broaden to include magnetic lines of force, magnetic field, electromagnets, electric motors, and galvanometers. (Open Website)

The Earth as a Magnet (1)

Activities:

The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere

(Open Website)