Investigating Electromagnetism
Energy ecoSTEM Kit Materials Used: Nails, Winding Wire, Magnets, Iron Filings & Sandpaper
ENGAGE - Students Observe This Phenomenon
GATHER
REASON
EXPLORE a Kit-Supported Learning Experience
After observing Teach Engineering’s video about making an electromagnet, students will construct an explanation of the phenomenon and try to make a model that replicates the effect, using steel nails, copper winding wire (which can be sanded on the ends to remove insulation), and iron filings. Bring your own batteries (C or D), scissors or wire cutters, and paper clips.
EVALUATE
Students should be able to explain that magnetism can produce electricity and electricity can produce magnetism. Also, students should be able demonstrate at least one factor that can cause an electromagnet to become stronger (or weaker), including how many times the wire is coiled, whether the magnet, nail or battery in the coil is part way out, whether the circuit is connected to a battery. All motors contain electromagnets.
ELABORATE
Students may try Teach Engineering’s "Get Your Motor Running” investigation to see how a source of power (battery) and a magnet can create a spinning “motor” and research motors to determine which contain electromagnets (virtually all).
EXTEND
This Amazing Science video shows how to make an electromagnetic “train” with a AA battery, 18 gauge bare copper wire, and 4 – 6 disc-shaped neodymium magnets.
COMMUNICATE
Revised EXPLANATION
After making sense of a core idea by engaging in science or engineering practices through the lens of crosscutting concepts, students revise their original explanations of a phenomenon.
EMPOWERMENT
Students brainstorm devices they can build that would solve a problem by creating a temporary electromagnet.