Learners explain why compass angles need to be corrected for regional magnetic variation. They observe the difference between magnetic and true north. Each student measures the angle of variation for a town in a different state.

Clever! Earth science learners construct a model of a planet containing a magnetic core. The planet, Terrabagga, is made out of a paper grocery bag, magnets, a dead D battery, and rubber bands. Pictures of each step of the construction...

Students encounter how magnetic forces affect the navigation ability of sea turtle hatchings. Research is done to find out where the true magnetic North Pole lies. Exploration is discussed on how many things here on earth are affected by...

A thorough investigation of magnetic levitation; this activity has four parts. First, physical scientists play with a wooden dowel and three disc magnets to review polarity and repelling action. Then they experiment with...

Students explore the properties of magnets by designing a device that can move as far as possible using only magnets to move it, and design a machine that will stay in motion for the greatest period of time.

This set of seven activities attracts physical science stars to concepts concerning magnetism. Pupils play with a lodestone, magnets, needles, and iron filings to understand magnetic forces, fields, and applications. If you are new to...

High schoolers identify and describe the difference between the magnetic north pole and true north. They consider why sailors could not steer a straight course to the New World from the Old.

Students identify the properties of a magnet. In this physics lesson, students explore the strength of the magnet by testing out how a magnet reacts to various materials. The various objects the students test include paper clips, paper,...

Fourth graders explore magnets as fundamental parts of generators and how they are used to produce current electricity. They distinguish between the north and south pole of magnets and the difference between repel and attract. Students...

Second graders conduct a variety of inquiry based learning activities. In this magnetism instructional activity, 2nd graders explore magnets with a partner, they learn the terms attract and repel, examine the poles of a magnet, and...

Fifth graders, in groups, create paper bag "globes", complete with magnetic poles. They use compasses to determine and label various locations (N. and S. Poles, Prime Meridian, Equator, etc.) and finish it by drawing in the continents...

Students build an instrument. In this magnetism lesson, students learn about the north and south poles of magnets and build a magnetometer that detects the direction of a magnetic field.

Students explore the concept that magnets attract and repel items and exert a magnetic field that can vary in strength. They see evidence of the magnetic field of a small magnet. They see that there are forces on earth which cannot be seen.

Students demonstrate the process of science by posing questions and investigating phenomena through language, methods and instruments of science as they experiment at four teacher-created stations to explain the fundamentals of magnetism.

In this magnetic car worksheet, students learn how to use simple household items to create a magnetic car. Students learn that magnets have two poles and when the same poles face each other it causes a force of repulsion which moves the...

Students investigate the magnitude of Earth's magnetic field using PASCO. In this physics instructional activity, students describe the features of the magnetosphere. They explain how atmosphere layers protect the Earth.

Students classify objects that magnets are attracted to and aren't attracted to. They also magnetize metal. They construct and use a compass. They develop a product which show they explain the properties of magnetism.

Students discover magnetic forces. In this magnetic experiment lesson, students explore magnetism. Students conduct experiments and discover magnetic poles and magnetic strength.

Young scholars explore how the earth is a magnet and that magnets have two "poles".  In this magnetic lesson students complete an activity by designing their own compass. 

This interesting science lesson is about the compass. Students make a compass out of a magnet, sewing needle, cork, and a glass dish. The lesson includes both a pre and post-test for the students to take, and some very good links to...

Students explore magnetic attraction. In this magnets lesson, students participate in an interactive whiteboard activity in which objects are dragged onto a virtual table and categorized as to whether they are "repelled" or "attracted"...

Physical or earth science pupils prepare a magnetometer by inducing magnetism into a pair of straight pins. As the pins hang from a thread, they can be used to detect the magnetic field or poles of a magnet. They could also be used as a...

Fifth graders compare and contrast the patterns that they create using iron fillings and different types of magnets.

Pupils develop the concept that magnets attract and repel items and exert a magnetic field that can vary in strength.