Introduction Children observe the world around them and often develop their own understanding of science. This understanding is integrated into their established framework of knowledge. Unfortunately, what is perceived is not always what is factual, which may lead to misconceptions. One way to address students’ misconceptions is through the development and use of models, a “big idea” in science. Models, an important part of scientific learning in the K-8 classroom, allow students to connect new ideas with their previous knowledge. By creating models students “assemble their seemingly fragmented knowledge about concepts and relationships into larger, more clearly understood constructs” (Gilbert & Ireton, 2003, p. vii.) Through our action research, we addressed misconceptions about magnetism. The question that drove our study was: How does our teaching, with the use of models, influence students’ learning and change any misconceptions they may have about magnetism? “Surprisingly, we know less about peoples’ conception of magnetism than we do about other physical phenomena” (Hickey & Schibeci, 1999, p. 383). Very little research on the topic of magnetism has been conducted (Hickey & Schibeci, 1999). The research that has been completed has focused on participants from high school and college. Two such research studies include Almudí, Guisasola, and Zubimendi (2003) and Hickey and Schibeci (1999). Both studies use written response questions as the main method of research. The study completed by Almudí, Guisasola, and Zubimendi (2003) demonstrates models of magnetism held by students can be placed into four different categories, which include “the inherent nature of matter, ingenuous realistic, electrical, and Amperian” (p. 456). The inherent nature of matter was used by fifteen percent of the participants wherein they attributed magnetism to the properties of the matter involved (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). Additionally, fifteen percent of participants used an ingenuous realistic model that explains magnetism resulting from
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Transcript
Introduction
Children observe the world around them and often develop their own understanding of
science. This understanding is integrated into their established framework of knowledge.
Unfortunately, what is perceived is not always what is factual, which may lead to
misconceptions. One way to address students’ misconceptions is through the development and
use of models, a “big idea” in science. Models, an important part of scientific learning in the K-8
classroom, allow students to connect new ideas with their previous knowledge. By creating
models students “assemble their seemingly fragmented knowledge about concepts and
relationships into larger, more clearly understood constructs” (Gilbert & Ireton, 2003, p. vii.)
Through our action research, we addressed misconceptions about magnetism. The
question that drove our study was: How does our teaching, with the use of models, influence
students’ learning and change any misconceptions they may have about magnetism?
“Surprisingly, we know less about peoples’ conception of magnetism than we do about other
physical phenomena” (Hickey & Schibeci, 1999, p. 383). Very little research on the topic of
magnetism has been conducted (Hickey & Schibeci, 1999). The research that has been
completed has focused on participants from high school and college. Two such research studies
include Almudí, Guisasola, and Zubimendi (2003) and Hickey and Schibeci (1999).
Both studies use written response questions as the main method of research. The study
completed by Almudí, Guisasola, and Zubimendi (2003) demonstrates models of magnetism
held by students can be placed into four different categories, which include “the inherent nature
of matter, ingenuous realistic, electrical, and Amperian” (p. 456). The inherent nature of matter
was used by fifteen percent of the participants wherein they attributed magnetism to the
properties of the matter involved (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). Additionally, fifteen
percent of participants used an ingenuous realistic model that explains magnetism resulting from
field lines interacting as real entities (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). They found fifty
percent of participants held an electrical model of magnetism that describes magnets as charged
bodies with movement of ions (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). Only twenty percent of
participants understood magnets using an Amperian model that attributes the source of magnetic
field to movement of electrons generating magnetic dipoles at the microscopic level and dipoles
at the macroscopic level (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). In comparison, Hickey and
Schibeci (1999) also found approximately fifty percent of participants conceptualized magnetism
as an electrical model.
Through our action study, we hoped to further the current research of Almudí, Guisasola,
and Zubimendi (2003) and Hickey and Schibeci (1999) first by using participants from a fourth
grade gifted class and secondly, by adding assessment methods that will utilize the science “big
idea” of models. We looked to see if younger students held the same misconceptions as older
students found by current studies. Additionally, we hoped to expand current research through
participants drawing models of magnetism to explain their understanding. Encouraging students
to draw models assisted them in demonstrating their understanding of magnetism.
Methods
Our action research took place in a fourth grade classroom at an elementary school in
Michigan. Of the twenty-two students, six are Asian, two Indian, one African American, and
fourteen Caucasian all of which are from middle to upper income families. These twenty-two
students are part of the Alternative Learning Program for Students (A.L.P.S.). This program is
designed to meet the educational needs of extremely bright students who test and qualify. The
students in A.L.P.S. focus on critical, creative, and divergent thinking through a differentiated
curriculum (Northville public school, n.d.). The science curriculum, Battle Creek Area:
Mathematics & Science Center covers four main topics for grade four, which include animal
behavior, force and energy, earth materials, and magnetism and electricity.
To conduct our research and investigate our question, students were pre-assessed with
paper and pencil using a six-item questionnaire that included four written responses with
explanations, one checklist response, and one student generated drawing. The pre-assessment
responses to each question were categorized into like responses to look for patterns in the
students’ concepts. We expected these categories to be similar to that of the current studies,
which would include magnetism as electricity, magnetism as a cloud, magnetism as inherent
properties, and magnetism as Amperian model (Almudí, Guisasola, & Zubimendi, 2003). Once
the students’ misconceptions were identified, we developed two lessons that utilized inquiry
methods and models. The students worked in small groups exploring by using the target,
magnets and magnetism. Models, such as pictorial, graphical, and concrete, were used to support
the lessons, reinforce students’ correct understanding, and address their misconceptions. After
the two lessons were taught, we administered a post-assessment. By comparing the pre-
assessment and the post-assessment, we were able to determine how our teaching through
inquiry lessons and models influenced students’ understanding and misconceptions about
magnetism.
Our method of research was similar to that of Almudí, Guisasola, and Zubimendi (2003)
and Hickey and Schibeci (1999) as we included written response questions that aimed to identify
students’ conceptions of magnetism. Additionally, three of our questions were based on research
questions from Hickey and Schibeci (1999). The pre-assessment questionnaire consists of the
following six items.
1) What materials are attracted to a magnet? Check all that apply. (question develop by ourselves)
paper clip in a glass of water aluminum foil stainless steel spoon
Foam penny glass rod
a nickel wood copper wire
Key common nail plastic straw
2) Explain why magnets are attracted to your choices above. (Question developed by ourselves)
3) Can you judge how strong a magnet is by its size? Explain your thinking. (Based on research ofBrown-Struthers, 2002)
4) Does a magnet have to touch an object to affect the object? Explain why or why not. (Hickey &Schibeci, 1999)
5) Draw a picture of what you think is going on inside a magnet to make it work. Use labels asneeded to help explain your drawing. (Based on Hickey & Schibeci, 1999)
6) Is there a link between magnetism and electricity? Explain your thinking. (Hickey & Schibeci,1999)
To reflect the concepts taught in our two lessons, four of the six pre-assessment questions
were used in the post-assessment with only the first question altered. The alterations reflected
the particular items used in our first inquiry lesson. The post-assessment questions are as follows.
Paper Clip Cardboard Spoon
Canadian Dime U.S. Penny Glass
U.S. Quarter Wood Copper Wire
Screw Aluminum Foil Plastic Straw
Foam Key Canadian Nickel
1) What materials are attracted to a magnet? Check all that apply. (question develop by ourselves).
2) Explain why magnets are attracted to your choices above. (Question developed by ourselves)
3) Can you judge how strong a magnet will be by its size? Explain your thinking. (Based onresearch of Brown-Struthers, 2002)
4) Draw a picture of what you think is going on inside a magnet to make it work. Use labels tohelp explain your drawing. (Based on Hickey & Schibeci, 1999)
The pre- and post-assessments were analyzed to determine whether students had
misconceptions. For each item, the answers were categorized based on like answers and patterns
in the data collected. The categories were compared to current scientific explanations and the
answers that did not align were considered misconceptions. Specifically, answers for item one of
the pre- and post-assessment should have reflected an understanding of ferromagnetic material.
Selection of items that did not contain iron, nickel, or cobalt showed a possible misconception
that all metals are attracted to a magnet. Selection of items that are non-metallic would indicate a
misconception that all materials are influenced by a magnet. Item two answers of the pre- and
post-assessment helped to clarify students’ conceptions in item one. For item three of the pre-
and post-assessment, we looked for trends in reasoning as to the influence of size on a magnet’s
strength. The answers that indicated misconceptions did not reflect an understanding that size is
not a determinant of strength. Item four answers of the pre-assessment demonstrated basic
awareness of magnetic field by students acknowledging that objects do not have to be touching a
magnet to be affected by the object. Further understanding of students’ concept of magnetic field
came from their explanations. These explanations were categorized and evaluated based on
current scientific explanations. For item five of the pre-assessment and item four of the post-
assessment, we evaluated the students’ concepts of the source of magnetism. The drawings were
categorized to find trends in concepts. The drawings that represent misconceptions did not
indicate understanding of magnetic poles or domains within the magnet. Item six answers of the
pre-assessment reflected students’ understanding that electrical current in motion creates a
magnetic field. The categories created from student responses helped determine the extent of
student understanding.
Results
After performing our pre-assessment, we analyzed the collected data and found some
common misconceptions among the fourth graders. These misconceptions included thinking that
all metal is attracted to magnets, that the strength of a magnet can be determined by its size, and
varying misconceptions about the source of magnetism. When answering pre-assessment
question number one regarding metal items, students identified only fifty-five percent of the
items correctly (see Figure 3). These percentages were calculated by comparing expected
responses to actual responses for each item and by separating the items by metal and non-metal.
Our analysis of question two revealed the possible explanation of question one results. In
question two, fifty-nine percent of students explained that magnets are attracted to all metals (see
Figure 4). This conclusion was made by categorizing the written responses. Thirteen of the
twenty-two students responded that all metals are attracted. Secondly, in question number three,
nearly seventy-three percent of the students said that the strength of a magnet could be
determined by its size (see Figure 5). We concluded this by categorizing the students’ written
responses. Fourteen of the twenty-two students believed that bigger magnets equaled stronger
attraction. For pre-assessment question four, students responded as to whether an object needs to
touch a magnet to be affected by the magnet. One hundred percent of students responded with a
correct no answer. However, only one student gave a reasonable explanation. The remainder of
students had a variety of explanations with no prevailing explanation (see figure 1)
Figure 1
Does an object have to touch a magnet to be affected by the magnet?
100% answered with a correct NO - of those:
Percentage Count Explanation
>5% 1 Good reasoning of magnetic field
>5% 1 Depends of object
9% 2 Depends on strength
9% 2 Depends on Electricity or electrons
14% 3 Has Force or power
14% 3 Has magnetism
14% 3 It just can
18% 4 Depends on of magnet size
14% 3 no explanation
In answering question five, no student was able to draw an acceptable model of magnetism that
included north and south poles and magnetic domains. The results were split almost into thirds
with thirty-five percent showing models of electricity, thirty percent models of particle attraction,
and thirty percent magnetism located on the ends of a magnet (see Figure 6). From these results,
we concluded that students had varying misconceptions about the source of magnetism. In our
final pre-assessment question, students had a variety of responses with only two of the twenty-
two students showing a reasonable connection between magnetism and electricity. Twenty-three
percent of students responded that there was no link and twenty-seven stated that electricity is
needed for magnetism (see Figure 2)
From our pre-assessment analysis, we decided to teach two different lessons to address
the students’ conceptions (see Appendix C). In our first lesson, we addressed the students’
misconception that all metals are attracted to magnets. The topic of our first inquiry lesson was
determining the particular metals that are attracted to magnets. While analyzing materials and
making predictions, students learned materials that are ferromagnetic, such as iron, nickels, and
cobalt, are attracted to a magnet. In our second lesson, we addressed the students’ misconception
that size can determine magnetic strength and students’ misconceptions about the source of
magnetism. The topic of our second inquiry lesson was determining if size of a magnet indicates
strength. Students did investigations with different size magnets in which the strongest was the
smallest. The students found that magnetic fields are different among magnets and that strength
does not always coincide with the size of the magnet. Additionally, in the lesson’s “Explain”
section, the concept of the source of magnetism was addressed as students learned that strength
depended on the alignment of domains. Two different models, one concrete and one pictorial,
were used to help explain the concept of domains. These lessons addressed the Michigan
Curriculum Framework Science Benchmarks (2000) Motion of Objects (PMO) IV.3.3 which
Figure 2
Is there a link between magnetism and electricity?
Explanation Count PercentageElectricity can be used to make magnets 2 9%Magnetism is needed for electricity 2 9%Electricity and magnetism are attracted 2 9%Similar in operation 2 9%No link 5 23%Electricity is needed for magnetism 6 27%No Response 3 14%
What materials are attracted to a magnet?Correct Responses of Metals / Non-Metals
0102030405060708090
100
Non-Metal MetalResponses
Per
cen
tag
eo
fCo
rrec
tR
esp
on
ses
Pre-assessment Post-assessment
states, “All students will describe how things around us move, explain why things move as they
do, and demonstrate and explain how we control the motions of objects: Elementary: 3. Describe
patterns of interaction of magnetic materials with other magnetic and non-magnetic materials”
(p. 27).
After teaching two inquiry model based lessons, we conducted a post-assessment in
which we analyzed and organized the data into categories as in our pre-assessment. Our analysis
of post-assessment item one showed that eighty-six percent of the students were able to identify
metals, ferromagnetic materials that would attract to a magnet (see Figure 3). Additionally,
students’ explanations expressed in item two showed that eighty percent of the students
understand that only some metals are attracted to magnets (see Figure 4). Of this eighty percent,
six-five percent were able to name one or more of the ferromagnetic materials. From our analysis
of item three, we concluded that sixty percent of students correctly answered with reasonable
explanation that size is not an indicator of magnetic strength (see Figure 5). Lastly, from our
analysis of item four, we concluded that sixty percent of the students gained understanding of the
source of magnetism by using domains and poles as part of their drawing (see Figure 6).
1) What materials are attracted to a magnet? Check all that apply.
Paper Clip Cardboard Spoon
Canadian Dime U.S. Penny Glass
U.S. Quarter Wood Copper Wire
Screw Aluminum Foil Plastic Straw
Foam Key Canadian Nickel
2) Explain why magnets are attracted to your choices above.
3) Can you judge how strong a magnet will be by its size?Explain your thinking.
4) Draw a picture of what you think is going on inside a magnet to make it work. Use labels tohelp explain your drawing.
Appendix C
Lesson Plans
Cynthia CurradoKathy Crunk
Magnetism Lesson Plan
Grade Level: 4th grade
Concept: Students are familiar with magnets. However, they have some misconceptions aboutwhich metals are attracted to magnets. Students will work in groups to make predictions and testmetallic items that will and will not be attracted to magnets.
Michigan Curriculum Framework Science Content Benchmarks Summer, 2000Constructing New Scientific Knowledge (C) I.1.2 All students will design and conductinvestigations using appropriate methodology and technology: Elementary: 2. Develop solutionsto problems through reasoning, observation, and investigations.
Constructing New Scientific Knowledge (C) I.1.6 All students will communicate findings ofinvestigations, using appropriate technology. Elementary: 6. Construct charts and graphs andprepare summaries of observations.
Motion of Objects (PMO) IV.3.3 All students will describe how things around us move, explainwhy things move as they do, and demonstrate and explain how we control the motions ofobjects: Elementary: 3. Describe patterns of interaction of magnetic materials with othermagnetic and non-magnetic materials.
Objectives:Students will:
• Learn that not all metallic objects are attracted to a magnet.• Learn that objects that are made of ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt,will be attracted to a magnet.• Make predictions and test their predictions• Analyze materials of objects tested and compare similarities and differences.• Students will give examples and show understanding of Models, “big science idea,” as waysfor us to learn and think about a science concept like magnetism.
Materials: 6 prepared bags containing one of each: Canadian quarter, dime, nickel, and penny;
American quarter, dime, nickel, and penny; brass nut, steel washer, steel screw, keys,paperclip, coated paper clip, staples, aluminum foil ball, scissors, and spoon
6 magnets 1 copy for each student of “Magnus Gets Stuck” (Piotrowski, ed., 2003) 1 copy for each student of magnetism worksheets 6 copies of Metals Used to Make Items 6 group size whiteboards Dry erase markers
Teacher prepared poster that includes picture of magnet, magnetic field lines, andpictures of iron ore, nickel ore, and cobalt ore. Also smaller pictures of items that attractto magnets not attached to poster for students to put on, including Canadian nickel, dime,and quarter, paper clip, coated paper clip, screw, washer, staples, and spoon.
Safety concerns: Magnets and objects should be kept away from students’ faces particularly themouth and eyes. Magnets should also be kept away from computers, disks, and flash drives.Once the Explore step is finished, materials should be returned to bag and returned to the teacher.Additionally, all students should wash their hands after handling the different metals.
Engage:1. Teacher will hand out and have students take turns reading aloud the story
“Magnus Gets Stuck.” This folk tale is about a young boy who is able to climb the rockymountains of Turkey to take care of a herd of sheep. He finds that his new sandals, withlarge nails in the soles, are attracted to the rock. He also finds that the metaltip of his spear and a tool in his pocket are also attracted to the rock.
2. Teacher will ask if students are familiar with a rock that has the same property of amagnet. Show students a lodestone and its ability to attract a paper clip. Lodestone is anatural magnet. Other than the nails in Magnus’ shoes, what else do you think will beattracted to a magnet? Teacher will make a list on board with students’ ideas.
3. Teacher: Today, we will test several items to check for attraction and to find similaritiesamong these items. As we explore, we are looking to answer the question, “Whatproperties are similar among attracted items?” As we explore what are some possiblesimilarities we could look for? (Make sure the idea of different metals is included.)
Explore:1. Teacher: We learned by our story that magnets are found in their natural state, as in
lodestone, but today we will be using magnets that are man-made. You will be dividedinto six groups to explore our question “What properties are similar among attracteditems?” Each group will have a bag with the same items to check for the ability to beattracted to a magnet. Each group will determine a timekeeper, to stay focused; arecorder, to write group results on whiteboard; a spokesperson to share group results; anda tester to use the magnet.
2. Put students into groups3. Pass out bags of items, worksheets, whiteboards, and markers.4. Students will first make predictions for each item recording prediction on worksheet
including whether the item will be attracted to a magnet and explaining predictions.Remember we are looking for similar properties.
5. Once predictions are made, the teacher will hand the magnet to the tester and studentswill test predictions and record answers on worksheet.
6. Once predictions are tested and recorded, students will be given sheet to identify metalsused to make each item. Instruct the students to look at what metals are in the items thatwere attracted and compare them to each other. Also, compare to the items that did notattract. What similarities do you find?
7. Record findings on large group white boards to share with class.
Explain:
1. Each group will share findings and conclusions with the class on whiteboards. Teacherwill ask: By looking at your results what can we say about the properties of the materialsthat were attracted to the magnet? (The findings should show that materials with a lot ofiron and nickel was attracted) Did anyone find any item that was attracted that was notmade of mostly iron or nickel? Materials that are attracted to magnets are ferromagnetic.The three ferromagnetic materials are iron, nickel, and cobalt.
2. Show students the pictorial model (poster) of magnets and explain the use of models inscience. Teacher: Here is a poster of a magnet and the materials that are attracted tomagnets. This poster is a model of magnets. Models are a “Big Idea” in science becausethey are used in all area of science including biology, chemistry, physics, and earthscience. There are many different kinds of models. This one is a pictorial model. Whatother models can you think of that we might use to understand different scienceconcepts? In science, we use models to help us learn and understand different concepts.However, in our explore work today, we used real magnets because using the real thing isalways better if you are able to use it. This model though gives us pictures to see whatwe do not have available, such as the actual metal ore, and what we cannot see with oureyes, such as the magnetic field lines. What similarities does our model have to a realmagnet and real ore? What differences are there?
3. Pass out pictures of the items tested in the explore stage. Have the students place themon the poster by the ore picture that shows the metal that the item had the most of incomposition.
4. By what we can see, of the metals we tested today that were attracted by your magnets,most were made of from iron. However, the older Canadian quarters, nickels and dimeswere made with 99.9% nickel. New Canadian coins are now made like our money andwill not be attracted by a magnet. U.S. coins are mostly made from mostly copper. Iscopper one of the metals that will attract? Cobalt is harder to get, so none of our exampleswere made from cobalt. Cobalt is used in making the very powerful Alnico magnets(Aluminum, nickel, cobalt) that are used in electric motors, microphones, and speakers.From our results, then what properties are similar among materials that are attracted tomagnets? Is it proper to say “all metals” are attracted?
Extend/Apply:
Vending machine companies have a problem with people being dishonest. Some people will tryto get free pop and snacks by using slugs or washers in the machines. With what you know now,what would suggest the companies do to prevent this problem? Why will your suggestion work?Write your answers in a paragraph. After students turn in their papers, ask the students for ideas.(The ideas should include using a magnet).
Evaluate: Collect prediction papers to assess making predictions and testing predictions. Observe students’ completed group boards and discussion to assess analysis of materials
similarities and differences. Observe students’ answers and discussion to asses whether they understand models and
how they are used. Use the answers from the paragraphs to see if students realize that not all metallic objects
are attracted to a magnet, and able to identify the metals that are attracted to a magnet..
References
Piotrowski, B.A. (Ed.). (2003). Magnus gets stuck. Foss science stories: Magnetism and
Magnus could hear the sound of his sheep in the mountains. He knew thatit was not a good sign. It meant that one or two of them had fallen into the cracksbetween the rocks and he would have to go and rescue them.
Magnus loved his sheep and even more, he loved the mountains. He hadnever been to this valley before. He was excited to be able to find new places toexplore.
Baaa. Baaa.The sound was coming from behind a large, dark rock. The rock was much
higher than Magnus could reach, but he was able to climb over it.“This will be a good test for my new sandals,” he said to himself.Magnus had saved all winter for his new sandals. He spent all of his money
from helping his family sell wool at the market. The large nails in the soles ofsandals gave him extra traction when he climbed the mountainous terrain wherehe watched his family’s herd of sheep.
Magnus held one foot up, looked at her large circles of metal on the solesof his sandals, and smiled. Then he leaped onto the rock and started climbing.“Don’t worry, little lamb,” he said aloud. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
As he scrambled over the rocks, his new sandals gripped the surface evenbetter than he had expected. In fact, each time he tried to lift up his feet, theystuck to the surface of the rock. “What is happening?” he asked himself. There isnothing on the bottom of my sandal to make them stick, he thought.
Magnus touched the rock to see if it was sticky. The rock felt fine, yet hewas puzzled. He took a few more steps and could not believe the feeling that hewas having. With every step, he was sticking to the rock. He laid his spear downto get a better look at the rock and when he did the tool in his pocket fell onto therock. He tried to pick it up and it was stuck to the rock! This seemed like sometype of magic to him. “This is incredible!” he shouted. He went to pick up hisspear and found the metal tip of that stuck to the rock too.
“I can’t wait to tell my family. They will be amazed at the way this rockbehaves,” he said as he bent down to chip away a piece of the rock to take withhim.
“It’s a good thing you are not made of metal,” he said to the lamb. Magnuspulled the lamb free and headed down from the mountain.
Many years later, Magnus told the story to his family of how he firstdiscovered the amazing rock. A traveler from the far-off land of Magnesia toldstories of similar rocks. He called them magnets because they came fromMagnesia. However, the people of Magnus’s village knew they were really namedafter the shepherd boy who first discovered them.
This is a folktale retold from the Foss Science Stories, Magnets, and Electricity.Published by Delta Education. 2003.
“What properties are similar among attracted items?”
Prediction Test it. Did itattract?
Item
Yes No
Explain Prediction.
What properties do you think will allow attraction?Why do you think this will attract?
Yes No
U.S. Penny
U.S. Quarter
U.S. Nickel
U.S. Dime
Canadian Penny
Canadian Nickel
Canadian Dime
CanadianQuarterPaperclip
Colored paperclipScrew
Brass Nut
Washer
Staples
Copper Wire
Spoon
Aluminum Foil
Key
“What properties are similar among attracted items?”
Item Metals Used to Make Items
U.S. Penny 98% Zinc and 2% Copper
U.S. Quarter 92% Copper and 8% Nickel
U.S. Nickel 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
U.S. Dime 92% Copper and 8% Nickel
Canadian Penny Years 1942 – 1996 used 98% Copper and 2% Tin
CanadianNickel
Year 1955 – 1981 used 99.9% Nickel;
Years 1982 – 2001 used 25% Nickel and 75% CopperCanadian Dime 99.9% Nickel
CanadianQuarter
99.9% Nickel
Paperclip 99.95% Iron and 0.05% Carbon
Colored paperclip
Thin plastic coating & 99.95% Iron and .05% Carbon
Screw 99.4% Iron 0.6% Carbon
Brass Nut Brass made of 65% Copper and 35% Zinc
Washer 99.4% Iron and 0.6% Carbon
Staples 99.95% Iron and .05% Carbon
Copper Wire Copper
Spoon 79% Iron, 1% Carbon, and 20% Chromium
Aluminum Foil Aluminum
Magnetism Lesson 2 Plan
Title: Magnetism Related to Size of Magnet
Grade Level: 4th grade
Concept: Students are familiar with magnets. However, they have some misconceptions aboutthe size of the magnet and its relationship to strength of magnetism. Students will work ingroups to make predictions and test magnets of different sizes to determine if strength isdetermined by size.
Constructing New Scientific Knowledge (C) I.1.2 All students will design and conductinvestigations using appropriate methodology and technology: Elementary: 2. Develop solutionsto problems through reasoning, observation, and investigations.
Constructing New Scientific Knowledge (C) I.1.6 All students will communicate findings ofinvestigations, using appropriate technology. Elementary: 6. Construct charts and graphs andprepare summaries of observations.
Motion of Objects (PMO) IV.3.3 All students will describe how things around us move, explainwhy things move as they do, and demonstrate and explain how we control the motions ofobjects: Elementary: 3. Describe patterns of interaction of magnetic materials with othermagnetic and non-magnetic materials.
Objectives:
Students will:
Learn that the size of a magnet is not a predictable factor of the strength of a magnet. make predictions and test their predictions Show understanding of Models as a “big science idea” in science allowing us to learn and
think about a science concept
Materials:
6 strong small magnets each in a small Ziploc bag 6 weaker larger magnets each in a small Ziploc bag 1 large strong magnet 1 copy of lab worksheet for each group 6 boxes of 100 small paper clips 6 group size whiteboards dry erase markers
Key Brass made of 65% Copper and 35% Zinc
Paper clips attracted by magnets
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
Magnets
Nu
mb
ero
fC
lip
s
Magnet 1
Magnet 2
rulers Tube of metal shavings filled only half full 1 teacher generated poster of a magnet with moveable pieces to represent magnetic
domains.
Safety concerns: Magnets and objects should be kept away from students’ faces particularly themouth and eyes. Magnets should also be kept away from computers, disks, and flash drives.Once the Explore step is finished, materials should be returned to bag and returned to the teacher.
Engage:1. Last week we looked at what materials will be attracted by a magnet. Before exploring,
we all knew that metals are attracted but did not know what kinds of metal. Now weknow the types of metal and the name scientists have given these materials. Who can tellus one of those metals? Keep asking until all three are stated, which are iron, nickel, andcobalt. Ask if anyone remembers the name scientists call these metals, which isferromagnetic.
2. Teacher: Magnets are used for many different things. Who can name some things that usemagnets? Write these answers on the board. When manufacturers of products decide onwhat magnet to use, what factors do you think they need to consider? (The answers mightinclude material used, size used, and strength used.) One question that would need to beanswered when considering strength, “How can we test the strength of a magnet?” Takestudent suggestions, steering them towards seeing how much weight a magnet can holdbefore it lets go. Today we are exploring this question, “Does size of the magnetdetermine the strength of the magnet?”
Explore:
1. Show the students the materials that they will use for their exploration. Each group willreceive two magnets each in a small Ziploc bag. Tell the students that the magnets needto stay in the Ziploc bags, as the small one is extremely small and easy to lose. If both arekept in a bag the variable of a bag will be the same for both magnets. Each group willalso receive one box of small paper clips and 1 ruler. As a whole group talk aboutdifferent possible ways to test the strength of the magnets and remind students of thequestion, “Does the size of a magnet determine the strength of a magnet?”
2. Explain the procedure of this lab. First students should make a prediction and record onsheet. Next, they should decide on a procedure that they would use to test strength andrecord on sheet. This may be one of theprocedures thought of listed on the board.Then, they will conduct three trials of thesame procedure with both magnets andrecord the results. Lastly, they shouldmake a bar graph showing results on whiteboard. So students understand how tomake a bar graph, make one on the boardto demonstrate. Explain that the numberwill be different depending on their resultsbut this is the basic format for their graph.
3. Pass out the lab worksheets, materials,
whiteboards, and markers.4. Once they understand these procedures students should begin their testing.
Explain:
1. Each group will report their results. Does any group show the larger magnet as beingstronger? Common sense tells us that is something is bigger it is stronger but from whatwe see this is not always the case with magnets. Sometimes, smaller magnets are strongerthan larger magnets. How do we explain this?
2. All magnetic material is made up of tiny microscopic regions called magnetic domains.(Show poster with domains) Here is a model similar to what we had last week, as it isalso a pictorial model to help us understand magnetism. Magnetic domains are part ofthe structure of ferromagnetic materials, like iron, cobalt, and nickel that we learnedabout last week. Each domain acts as a tiny magnet with a north and south pole.
3. When these domains point in random directions, they cancel each other out and nomagnetic field is produced. (Have poster domains in random order.) When these domainsline up with the north poles pointing in the same direction, a magnetic field is produced.(Line up domains to point in same direction) The more domains that line up the strongerthe magnet is.
4. So, between our tiny magnet and larger magnet, which magnet has more domains linedup?
5. We can model the lining up of domains with a tube of metal shavings and a magnet. Inthis functional model, the metal shavings represent magnetic domains in a ferromagneticitem like a nail made of iron. In reality, the metal shavings are not domains but we canuse them to help us understand the concept of domains as it will behave in a similarmanor. Remember models are not the real things but they help us to understand thetarget, the real thing. When a magnet comes close, the domains line up and are attractedlike little magnets. (Teacher to demonstrate model)
Extend/Apply: As a whole class, the students will make predictions of the strength of a varietyof magnets ranging in size. In this case, the strongest magnet should be the largest magnet. Writethe prediction on the board. Test each magnet by using one of used methods in the Explore.Record the results on the board. Ask the students, “What does this show us about the predictingthe strength of a magnet? Can we tell by just looking at the size?”
Evaluate:
You and your friend are shopping for magnets for a school science project. You need a strongmagnet to hold part of your experiment together. Your friend says he wants to buy the largestmagnet because it will be the strongest. How will you respond to your friend? Explain usingwhat you know about magnetic strength and magnetic domains.
1. We will collect written student responses to the extend/apply question on size of amagnet.
2. Observe students as they make predictions and test them.3. We will check for students’ understanding of models by observing and listening to
discussion.
References
Hopwood, A., Kattell, N. (1999). Magnetic Forces. Retrieved on November 10, 2007 fromhttp://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Physical_Sciences/PHY0200.html
Wilson, T. (2007). How Magnets Work. Retrieved on November 12, 2007 fromhttp://science.howstuffworks.com/magnet.htm/printable
Paper clips attracted by magnets
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LAB WORKSHEET
Make a prediction: Which magnet will be the strongest?
Describe your testing procedure.
When you are finished with your testing, you are to make a graphthat is large enough for the whole class to see.
Your graph should be a bar graph similar to this one but using anumber scale that fits your data.