My name is Veronica and I am teaching in SET.
Inquiry based activity A Magnetic Race
Materials: Paper and scissors, A large sheet of cardboard, Crayons or markers, 2 steel paper clips, 2 pencils, 2 small magnets / fridge magnets, 4 thick books or 4 glasses, A table
Exploring Facts Magnets attract magnetic objects through other materials.
Objects made from iron, steel, nickel or cobalt will stick or be attracted to magnets. These are called magnetic objects or magnetic materials. Magnets attract magnetic objects through other materials, for example cardboard, water, glass or plastic. Let’s use these facts to make a fun magnetic game.
How to make
1. Draw 2 small cars about 5cm long and 2cm wide.
2. Colour each car.
3. Tape the steel paperclip to the bottom of each car.
4. Draw two courses on the cardboard. Mark the start and finish on each course. Colour in. Place the cardboard on the glasses or books. This will allow you to put your magnet wand underneath the cardboard.
5. Tape the magnets to the end of each ruler. This is your magnetic wand.
6. Position the two magnetic wands underneath the cardboard, under the two cars, so that you can move the cars along the courses with the magnetic wands. Invite one of your family to race with you. Enjoy! What is happening? The magnet attracts the steel clips through the cardboard, moving them along the race course.
Finally I encourage students to ask more questions and think about other challenges and solutions.
Challenge Place a paper clip in a glass of water. Challenge somebody to take the paper clip out, but without putting a hand in the water.