Summary Free play at several stations to figure out how magnets work. Then guided activities to explore other uses of magnets: compass, electromagnet, magnet art. Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Electricity, Electromagnetism (7) Activities in this lesson Magnets: what sticks to them? Dancing magnets Magnetic force field patterns Magnetic force through materials Levitating magnets Compass Electromagnet Speaker Magnetic Field Patterns in oil Procedure This is a long lesson. Run magnet stations with a small selection of activities. Follow with a group magnet activity: Ask what is the biggest magnet they can think of.... the Earth. Make the compass. Make your own magnet using electricity. Make the electromagnet. Make a device that works with a magnet:a speaker. For a messy but beautiful art project, make and photograph magnetic field patterns in oil. Look at images of devices that use magnets: door buzzer, speaker, maglev train, scrap yard magnet. Grades taught Gr 2 Gr 4 Gr 5
