Using bar magnets and iron filings, you and your students can explore the properties of magnetic fields, just like the one that surrounds the Earth.
Each group will need:
Put your students into groups of three or four. Have them talk with each other about magnetic fields. What do they know? Have each group share a few ideas with the class.
Get the students to investigate what happens when the magnets and compasses are in close proximity. Ask the students to explore what the compass does if they move it up and down the length of the magnet.
Challenge your students to predict the shape of the magnetic field that surrounds the magnets.
Remind the students to be safe when using iron filings and have them follow the following steps on their “Find the magnetic field” worksheets:
Your students should be recording their observations and answering questions on their “Find the magnetic field” worksheet.
They can also take photos of the patterns created in the iron filings.
Show the images of magnetic fields and have the groups share with the class whether their magnetic fields were similar or different.
Make sure your students complete their self-assessment.
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