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Let The Race Begin!

Last updated over 7 years ago
6 questions
Note from the author:
This formative is by Susan Castigliego! Below, she describes how each 3rd grade NGSS standard is assessed in it so you can see how it fits into what you are already teaching!

3-PS2-3 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions 3-PS2-3. Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

Students will learn all about how magnets attract and repel when they come in contact with each other

3-PS2-4 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

Students will design a way to make their magnet move faster than their partners by using what they learned about magnets
Students will read about magnets and make a claim a
3-PS2-3.Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
3-PS2-4.Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
Materials:
1. Lunch trays for every two students
2. 4 round magnets for every two students
Magnetism is an invisible force that comes from objects called magnets that can push or pull other objects. The area around the magnet is called the magnetic field. A magnet has two points, called a north pole and a south pole, where the magnetism is strongest. When two magnets are placed pole to pole, a force acts between them. A north and south pole pull each other. This is called attraction. Two north poles or two south poles push each other away. This is called repulsion. When placed within a magnetic field, some materials turn into magnets themselves, sometimes briefly or sometimes permanently. These materials are then attracted or repulsed by a magnet. These materials are magnetic. Iron and some other metals are examples. The Earth itself acts like a giant magnet with a magnetic field and two magnetic poles. These poles are found near the Earth’s geographical north and south poles. Scientists think the Earth’s magnetism is caused by the movement of molten iron at the Earth’s core. A compass is a navigational device that uses a small magnet called a needle. The needle is attracted and repulsed by Earth’s magnetism. The needle moves so that one end points to Earth’s north pole and the other end points to Earth’s south pole. You can make your own compass by rubbing a sewing needle on a magnet, then letting it float in water. If the sewing needle is made of steel, it will stay permanently magnetized. Did You Know? The rocky mineral magnetite, which contains iron, is naturally magnetic. Early sailors used magnetite tied to and hung from a string as a magnetic compass. attraction repulsion A maglev train, or magnetic levitation train, hovers above the track, supported by a strong force of repulsion between magnets on the train and the track. Other magnets are attracted to the train and pull it along the track.
1

Whenthe north and south pole pull each other it is attracting

1

Materials that are attracted or repulsed by a magnet are magnetic

1

Why can’t a magnet pick up a piece of paper?

Directions:
1. Use one magnet to repel-without touching- the other magnet to the opposite side of the tray.
2.  First one to get their magnet to the end of the lunch tray is the winner!  Get too close to the magnet's pair?  They will attract and you have to start over! 
1

Before you start write a claim about what you will need to do to win the race.

1

Write a sentence using the two voacbulary words.

1

Draw and write an explanation below of what happened when you and your partner raced.