This week we finished our study of magnets. The kids really enjoyed learning about magnets through hand-on activities. We performed several experiments during which the kids made predictions, drew observations, and wrote about the conclusions. Through one experiment the kids discovered that the force of a magnet penetrates some materials. They used magnets to pick up several paper clips in a "chain". This is what they observed:
Through another experiment the kids learned that if they take a "chain" of paperclips away from the magnet it stays together. Here is what they observed:
The kids also discovered that magnetic force can work through water.
We also did an activity to demonstrate the force of a magnet. I tied a paperclip to the end of a string and taped the other end of the string to a table. We used a magnet to move the paperclip. We were able to move the paperclip without touching it to the paperclip. (This would be an fun activity to do again at home.)
The kids were also given many different magnets to explore the how magnets interact with each other. They discovered that sometimes the magnets attract to each other and some times they push apart. I taught them about how every magnet has a north pole and a south pole. We used bar magnets to see how the opposite poles of magnets attract and how the same poles of magnets push apart. The kids learned that when magnets push apart it is called repelling.
The kids took the unit test on Thursday. They did very well on both the multiple choice test and open response question. Great work kids!
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