Download Understanding Electromagnets

Technology-Connected
Lesson Plan
Title:
Understanding Electromagnets
Grade Levels:
 4th – 6th Grades
Curriculum Areas:
 Science
Measurable Objectives:  TSW define what an electromagnet is and how it is used
 TSW observe the effect of electricity on a magnetic material
 TSW realize that a generator is produced form magnets and
an energy source
 TSW create a bar graph using data showing the strength of a
magnetic field
Grade Level
 {SCI.6.PS.31} Compare types of electromagnetic waves
Expectations: (GLEs)
 {SCI.5.PS.14} Identify other types of energy produced
through the use of electricity (e.g., heat, light, mechanical)
 {SCI.4.37} Demonstrate how a complete circuit is needed for
conducting electricity
K-12 Educational
 Technology Productivity Tools (Resource Access and
Technology Standards:
Utilization Foundation Skill)
Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase
productivity, and promote creativity.
Students use productivity tools to work collaboratively in
developing technology-rich, authentic, student-centered
products.
Technology Connection:
 Technology Research Tools (Linking and Generating Knowledge
Foundation Skill)
Students use appropriate technology to locate, evaluate, and
collect information from a variety of sources.
Students use technology tools to process data and report
results.
Students evaluate and select new information resources and
technological innovations based on the appropriateness to
specific tasks.
 SMART Board or Presentation Station (computer connected
to a TV w/scan converter)
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Assessment:
Procedures:
 United Streaming Video clip, “Electromagnets” 2:32
 Electricity Interactive Sites
Instructional Technology. Prine – “Electricity”
http://www.tangischools.org/dept/tech/prine/Science.htm
 Students should show understanding of electromagnets and
generators and how they are used.
 Students will identify materials that can be used to create
magnets with electricity.
 Completed bar graph showing data from electromagnet
activity
Open the Electromagnet SMART Notebook file
 Electromagnet SMART Notebook Page 1 - Discuss the
definition of an electromagnet.
Attachments Tab – After discussing the meaning of an
electromagnet, show the United Streaming video clip,
Electromagnets (2:32)
 Electromagnet SMART Notebook Page 2 - Have all materials
placed on a table or in individual groups. Ask students to
explain how each of these objects relates to the topic of
electricity and magnetism. Explain that electricity can be
used to create magnetism and magnets can be used to create
electricity.
This activity can be done as a whole group if all
classmates are able to view the activity or it can be done
in small groups of students.
 Connect the wire to the 6 volt battery and wind the wire
around a nail several times (about 20 wraps).
 Attempt to pick up paper clips with the tip of the nail.
Record the results. Students will record how many times the
wire was wrapped around the nail and how many paper clips
were picked up.
 Wind the wire around the nail more times (about 20 more
wraps) and try again. The nail should be able to pick up more
paperclips with more wraps of wire. Do this approximately 5
more times, increasing the number of winds around the nail
20 times each trial. Students will continue to record the
results each time.
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 Repeat steps 2-4 with the wooden pencil.
 Ask students why the nail would pick up paper clips and the
pencil would not. (The pencil is not attracted to the magnet
and cannot take on magnetic qualities.)
 Ask students to name other materials that can be made into
magnets.
 Discuss with students that magnets can make electricity. A
generator used magnets with an energy source to create
electricity.
 Ask the students for uses of an electromagnet and a
generator. They must state why it is useful to have the
electromagnet for this use.
In our present technology, magnet applications include
compasses, electric motors, microwave ovens, coin-operated
vending machines, light meters for photography, automobile
horns, televisions, doorbells, loudspeakers, and tape
recorders. A simple refrigerator note holder and a complex
medical magnetic resonance imaging device both utilize
magnets.
 Electromagnet Blank Graph SMART Notebook Give each
student or group a copy of the blank graph.
(You will need to change the options in the Printer dialog box
to print the graph as full page. File  Print  Change
Thumbnail size: drop-down list to Full Page)
(Optional, you can use graph paper for students to create
their bar graph.)
 Electromagnet SMART Notebook Page 3 – Using the grid
sheet, complete the first bar together with the class showing
how many paperclips was picked up with 20 wraps of the wire.
You will need to add a number scale to right side of the graph
showing the # of paperclips. You can use the square in the
Shapes tool to draw each bar. Select a different color for
each bar from the Line and Fill color tool.
 Students use information they recorded to complete the bar
graph showing how many paper clips the nail picked up each
time.
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 Extension: Electricity Interactive Sites
Instructional Technology. Prine – “Electricity”
http://www.tangischools.org/dept/tech/prine/Science.htm
Materials:
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6 volt battery
Nail
Wooden pencil
Spool of electrical wire
Paper clips
Paper & pencil
Electromagnet Blank Graph SMART Notebook file
(Change the options in the Printer dialog box to print the
graph as full page. File  Print  Change Thumbnail size:
drop-down list to Full Page)
OR
Teacher’s Name:
School:
use blank grid paper
The amount of the material listed above will depend on if the
activity is done as a whole group with the class
or smaller groups.
 Kathy Prine
 C.M. Fagan
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