Magnets and Magnetism: Exploring Invisible Forces

Science Grades 5th Grade 3:16 Video
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Lesson Description

Discover the fascinating world of magnets! Learn about magnetic fields, poles, attraction, repulsion, and even how the Earth acts like a giant magnet. Conduct simple experiments to understand these concepts better.

Video Resource

Magnetism | The Dr. Binocs Show | Educational Videos For Kids

Peekaboo Kidz

Duration: 3:16
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Magnetic fields
  • Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Objects
  • Magnetic Poles (North and South)
  • Attraction and Repulsion of Magnetic Poles

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define magnetism and magnetic fields.
  • Students will be able to identify materials that are magnetic and non-magnetic.
  • Students will be able to explain the concept of magnetic poles and how they interact.
  • Students will be able to describe Earth's magnetic field.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by showing students the YouTube video 'Magnetism | The Dr. Binocs Show | Educational Videos For Kids'. Engage students by asking them what they already know about magnets. Briefly introduce the concept of magnetism as an invisible force.
  • Exploring Magnetic Fields (10 mins)
    Explain that magnets create an invisible area of force around them called a magnetic field. Use a visual aid (drawing or animation) to illustrate a magnetic field around a bar magnet.
  • Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic Objects (10 mins)
    Define magnetic and non-magnetic objects. Provide examples of each (e.g., iron nail vs. wooden block). Have students brainstorm other examples. If available, conduct a simple demonstration with various objects and a magnet.
  • Magnetic Poles (10 mins)
    Explain that magnets have two poles: North and South. Discuss how a freely suspended magnet aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing North and South.
  • Attraction and Repulsion (10 mins)
    Demonstrate the attraction and repulsion of like and unlike magnetic poles. Explain the rule: 'Opposites attract, likes repel'. Have students experiment with magnets themselves, if possible.
  • Earth as a Magnet (5 mins)
    Briefly explain that the Earth behaves like a giant magnet due to its iron and nickel core, creating its own magnetic field.
  • Wrap-up and Q&A (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts covered in the lesson. Answer any remaining questions from students.

Interactive Exercises

  • Magnetic Scavenger Hunt
    Divide students into groups and have them find objects around the classroom or home. Then use a magnet to test and categorize them into magnetic and non-magnetic objects.
  • Pole Experiment
    Give each student (or group) two bar magnets. Have them experiment with bringing different poles together and observing the attraction and repulsion. They can record their observations.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some everyday uses of magnets?
  • Why do you think some materials are magnetic while others aren't?
  • How might Earth's magnetic field protect us?

Skills Developed

  • Observation
  • Classification
  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Inquiry

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the invisible area of force around a magnet called?

Correct Answer: Magnetic Field

Question 2:

Which of these materials is most likely to be attracted to a magnet?

Correct Answer: Iron

Question 3:

What happens when you bring two north poles of magnets close together?

Correct Answer: They repel

Question 4:

The end of a magnet that points north is called the:

Correct Answer: North Pole

Question 5:

Earth acts like a giant magnet because of its core made of:

Correct Answer: Iron and Nickel

Question 6:

Which of the following is NOT a magnetic material?

Correct Answer: Aluminum

Question 7:

What happens when you cut a magnet in half?

Correct Answer: You get two new magnets

Question 8:

Which of these is a real-world application of magnets?

Correct Answer: Driving Cars

Question 9:

Which statement about magnets is TRUE?

Correct Answer: Magnets have a magnetic field around them

Question 10:

If you have a magnet freely suspended in the air, in which direction will it rest?

Correct Answer: North-South

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The area around a magnet where its force can be felt is called the ________ ________.

Correct Answer: magnetic field

Question 2:

Objects that are attracted to magnets are called ________ objects.

Correct Answer: magnetic

Question 3:

Every magnet has two ________, a north pole and a south pole.

Correct Answer: poles

Question 4:

Like poles of magnets ________ each other.

Correct Answer: repel

Question 5:

Unlike poles of magnets ________ each other.

Correct Answer: attract

Question 6:

________ and ________ are two metals that are found in Earth's core, which is why Earth behaves like a magnet.

Correct Answer: Iron and Nickel

Question 7:

If you suspend a bar magnet with a string, the _______ pole will point towards the geographic North Pole.

Correct Answer: north

Question 8:

Materials that do NOT get attracted to a magnet are called ________ objects.

Correct Answer: non-magnetic

Question 9:

The force that a magnet exerts on other objects is called ________ force.

Correct Answer: magnetic

Question 10:

________, ________ and Nickel are three metals that are attracted to magnets.

Correct Answer: Iron, Cobalt

Educational Standards

5.PS1.3:[Standard] Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties. 5.PS2:Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Teaching Materials

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