Magnetism

Magnetic Field Box-This device is available through scientific supply catalogs (about $70), however you may choose to make one yourself or buy the one from the Exploratorium Store (about $12). Place a cylindrical or cow magnet into a capped plastic cylinder or prescription bottle just larger than the magnet. Glue this cylinder to the bottom of a larger clear plastic jar, such as those peanut butter comes in. Place iron filings in the container and cap. If the magnet is strong enough students will be able to vies the three dimensional nature of the magnet's field.

Magnaprobe- Again, available through scintific supply companies. A doubly gimballed magnet on a handle. Students move this around a bar and horseshoe magnet and sketch its orientation at several locations.

Push & Pull- Just two magnets. Students are asked to describe what they feel whent the magnets are alligned in one way as opposed to the other. Also at this station are several doughnet shaped magnets and a pencil stuck in a piece of styrofoam. Students are asked to stack the magnets so that they "float"./

What is a Compass- A bar magnet is suspended from a string tied around it so that it will swivel horizontally. Students are instructed to let the magnet hang until it stops swinging and note its orientation. Then students are asked to compare its orientation with that of a compass. (Two cautions-1. check the string type, some don't allow the magnet to swing freely, 2. make sure the position of the bar magnet does not influence the orientation of the compass)

Magnetic Field Viewers- I picked these credit card sized viewers up for free at a conference. Have students place these over some small bar and doughnut shaped magnets. Then have them place the viewers over a refrigerator advertisement type magnet.

Drop Zone- Everyone's favorite! Drop a neodymium magnet through a 5 foot length of copper or aluminum pipe held vertically. This can also be done more visibly down an inclined piece of angled aluminum.

How NOT to Treat a Video Tape- Place a broken video tape out and allow the students to explore how it interacts with a (strong) magnet.