Ready to have an a-MAZE-ing time teaching electrostatics? Introduce physical science superstars to an engaging resource that tests their knowledge of attractive and repulsive forces. Pupils change the charge of a ball to guide it through a magnet-filled maze. Can they reach the target at the end before the timer runs out?

Concepts

magnetic attraction, electrostatics, positive charges, negative charges

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use Harder mode for those early finishers that breeze their way through Easier mode ... it is significantly more challenging!
• Incorporate direction of force into the interactive by having the class sketch the maze and draw arrows for each magnet's force
  

Classroom Considerations

• Place the interactive in Easier mode until learners get a feel for the game
• Schedule plenty of time in the computer lab so everyone gets to test their skills
  

Pros

• The interactive runs smoothly and is easy to operate
• Movement of the ball as magnetic forces act upon it is realistic
• Concept promotes planning, strategy, and reasoning skills
  

Cons

• None