Australian curriculum focus
Science / Year 4 / Science Understanding / Physical sciences / ACSSU076
Content Description: Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance
Elaboration: Exploring the forces of attraction and repulsion between magnets
Content Description: Forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance
Elaboration: Exploring the forces of attraction and repulsion between magnets
Everyday Exposure
Most students should have some experience with fridge magnets, compass and possible magnetic toys.
misconception explored
Misconception One: All metals are attracted to magnets.
Students may have the misconception that because magnets attract certain types of metals (iron, nickel etc) that all metals would be attracted to magnets (Crockett 2004; Ashbrook 2005; Barrow 2000). This misconception originates with the false understanding and classification that all metals are the same. Research suggests misconceptions should be corrected using a hands on approach where students observe and make notes about how magnets work (Crockett 2004 & Ashbrook 2005).
Misconception explained: Magnets only attract certain types of metals (ferromagnetic material) other materials such as glass, plastic and wood aren't attracted. Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets. (Science Kids, 2015). Most metals however are not attracted to magnets (Non- magnetic material), these include copper, silver, gold, magnesium, platinum, aluminium and more. Alloy (see below for definition) products with base of iron, nickel and cobalt will also be attracted to magnets.
Students may have the misconception that because magnets attract certain types of metals (iron, nickel etc) that all metals would be attracted to magnets (Crockett 2004; Ashbrook 2005; Barrow 2000). This misconception originates with the false understanding and classification that all metals are the same. Research suggests misconceptions should be corrected using a hands on approach where students observe and make notes about how magnets work (Crockett 2004 & Ashbrook 2005).
Misconception explained: Magnets only attract certain types of metals (ferromagnetic material) other materials such as glass, plastic and wood aren't attracted. Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets. (Science Kids, 2015). Most metals however are not attracted to magnets (Non- magnetic material), these include copper, silver, gold, magnesium, platinum, aluminium and more. Alloy (see below for definition) products with base of iron, nickel and cobalt will also be attracted to magnets.
What are magnets
A magnet is an object that has a magnetic field. A magnetic field is basically a field where unlike poles attract each other and like poles repel each other. A magnet has two ends: a North end and a South end. The end that points north is called the north pole of the magnet and the end that points south is called the south pole of the magnet (Red Apple Education Ltd, 2015).
scientific terms
Magnetic (ferromagnetic) material is material that can be magnetised strongly, such as iron, cobalt, nickel and their alloys (Prescott, 1999).
Hard (permanent) magnetic material describes a ferromagnetic such as steel which retain its magnetism (hard to magnetise but once magnetised they keep their magnetism (Prescott, 1999). Non-magnetic material describes materials such as silver, gold, copper, brass, aluminium and non-metals which apparently cannot be magnetised (Prescott, 1999). Alloy: is a mixture of two or more elements (Prescott, 1999). |
where to start- unit/lesson plans
Hands on activities
Electromagnetic Basics: This link will take you to an online simulation where your students can investigate and gather knowledge about the basic properties of magnets. This program allows students to test a range of materials to see if they are attracted to metal. Students should use a predict/observe and reflect table while using this program. Students should also clarify whether or not the object tested is metal/non-metal. This simulation should prompt students to think about the misconception that ‘All metals are attracted to magnets’.
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This link will take you to a detailed experiment involving exploration stations with magnets. Students complete a series of six short investigations involving magnets to learn more about their properties. Students also discuss engineering uses for magnets and brainstorm examples of magnets in use in their everyday lives (University of Colorado, 2004).
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