What Attracts?

The students will learn that magnets only attract certain items, and that not all metals are attracted to magnets. They will also learn to predict and test their predictions while working in groups to determine what a magnet will attract. The students will explain these properties, and what magnets could possibly be used for in a learning journal.

 

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • classify objects attracted and not attracted by a magnet with 95% accuracy
  • analyze materials of objects tested and compare similarities and differences
  • comprehend properties that make an item attract to a magnet by identifying the
  • properties in a learning journal
  • recognize and list possible uses for a magnet in a learning journal
  • work in groups successfully to predict the magnetic attractiveness of items and to
  • test their predictions

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

magnets, glass jar, wood, paper, pencil, paper clips, nails, spoon, keys, comb, marbles,

building blocks, aluminum foil, cork, cardboard, coins, plastic bag, battery, tissue, balloon,

bolt, buttons, ruler, scissors, washers, staples, aluminum foil with paper clip, bolts, filing

cabinet, table legs, book cart, chalk board,

pencil, paper, book (to write on) – ST-provided

 

Items to be tested are separated into four groups – each with an assortment of items that

are/are not attracted, placed in bags, and bags are placed roughly in the four corners of the

classroom [allows enough space for groups to work]

References

Contributors: