Arizona STEM

Acceleration Project

MAGNETIC MAGIC

MAGNETIC MAGIC

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A 7th/8th Grade Lesson

Kenn Patrick E. Bulaso

(January 14, 2024)

Notes for Teachers

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• Context: This lesson takes place in a classroom for one or more hours.
• Students may work in small groups of 3-5.
• An emphasis on the target product (a levitating train)
• Creative solutions should be encouraged.
• Facilitate student activity in building their designs and demonstrating the required skills.

List of Materials:

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• Science Journals
• Pencils
• Whiteboard
• Markers
• Paper Clips
• Batteries
• Different types of magnets
• Wire
• Wood block, 5"×3/4"×1-1/2" (note: a piece of wood listed as 1"×2" at a hardware store has actual dimensions of 3/4"×1-1/2")
• Flat piece of wood or corrugated cardboard, at least 24" long and 3" wide
• Clear double-sided tape
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Paper or plastic cup
• Coins
• Ruler
• Kitchen scale

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Arizona Science Standards

Science Standards:

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7.P2U1.1 Collect and analyze data demonstrating how electromagnetic forces can be attractive or repulsive and can vary in strength.

Science and Engineering Practices

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• ask questions and define problems
• develop and use models
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• use mathematical and computational thinking
• construct explanations and design solutions
• engage in argument from evidence
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

Arizona ELA Standards

8.RI.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.

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8.RI.5 Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.

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8.W.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self‐generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.

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8.W.6 Use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

Objective(s):

Students will be able to…

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1. Comprehend the concept of magnetic fields and their role in creating attractive and repulsive forces.
2. Collect and analyze data to demonstrate how electromagnetic forces can vary in strength based on different factors.
3. Design their own electromagnets and explore how changes in design and components affect their strength and behavior.
4. Apply their understanding of electromagnetic forces to design and create a project that solves a real-world problem or demonstrates a practical application.

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Agenda (4 sessions)

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Day 1

• Introduction to Magnetism
• Exploration Activities

Day 2

• Hands-on Activities with Magnets

Day 3-4

• Engineering Electromagnets
• Build a design
• Test their design
• Assessment/Feedback
• Revise their designs

How does a MagLev Train Work?

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What is Maglev?

Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a transport method that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. With maglev, a vehicle travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion, thereby reducing friction and allowing higher speeds.

The Differences

The big difference between a maglev train and a conventional train is that maglev trains do not have an engine — at least not the kind of engine used to pull typical train cars along steel tracks. The engine for maglev trains is rather inconspicuous. Instead of using fossil fuels, the magnetic field created by the electrified coils in the guideway walls and the track combine to propel the train.

EXPLORE: Attraction and Repulsion

Students will interact with magnets and see that opposite poles attract (come together) and similar poles repel (move away from each other).

EXPLORE 2: Strength of an Electromagnet

Students make simple electromagnets each using a battery, wire, and a nail and then explore how different variables may affect the strength of an electromagnet.

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ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

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1. How do you turn an electromagnet on and off?
2. What flows through an electromagnet when it is on?
3. What are some of the variables that can affect the strength of an electromagnet?

Reading Activity

The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip by Joanna Cole

APPLY

In a group of 4-5, students will apply what they have learned about electromagnetic forces and engineer a MagLev train.

Constraints:

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• Time constraints
• One kit per group of 4-5 students
• STEM kits and parts are quite expensive
• Students have to be responsible for their own kits

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How do we assess our work?

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• We test their MagLev Train
• We test the functionality of the MagLev train. Check if it can levitate and move smoothly along the track.
• Evaluate any additional features or innovations implemented by the student, such as braking systems or speed control.

Assessment

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• Assess the overall design of the MagLev train. Consider factors such as aerodynamics, stability, and safety.
• Check if they can explain how magnetic levitation works and its advantages over traditional train systems.
• Evaluate the student's ability to identify and solve problems encountered during the project.
• Assess the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated in the project. Look for unique solutions, features, or improvements.

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ELA Assessment

Students will research more about MAgLev Train. They are going to use several sources to write an informative essay about real-life MagLev Train designs and how they incorporate the concept of electromagnetic force.

Differentiation

Provide step-by-step instructions for the MagLev train project.

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Allow struggling students to work in smaller groups or pairs.

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Use visual aids and simplified explanations.

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Allow extra time for exploration and understanding.

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Extension/Enrichment

Students who are successful right away will proceed to modify their designs.

Groups will also present their work to lower grade levels and teach them concept of electromagnetic force and their application.

Groups will also research about how electromagnetic forces are used in real-life applications.

They will also have an option to build another design that involves the use of magnets and electromagnetic fields.

Remediation