Science, Magnets & You

Science, Magnets & You is a standards-based, interdisciplinary curriculum for elementary students and teachers. With the help of our guidebook, students can explore magnets, magnetism and electricity. Our activities encourage them to investigate the properties of these phenomena and their practical uses in today's world.

These materials urge kids to ask and answer questions related to magnets and magnetism and provide strategies for teachers to incorporate inquiry-based science in the elementary classroom. Science, Magnets & You was designed based on the integrated, multidisciplinary nature of elementary school science. It incorporates literacy as well as critical thinking, performance and communication skills that transfer easily to other subjects.

Science, Magnets & You is aligned with Sunshine State Standards as well as the National Science Standards.

Science, Magnets & You Guidebook (2.9 MB)

Here's a list of topics covered in this curriculum:

• What is a magnet?
• What objects do magnets attract?
• Exploring Magnetic Fields
• Visualizing Magnetic Fields
• Drawing Magnetic Fields
• Comparing the Strengths of Magnetic Fields
• North and South Poles
• Understanding a Compass
• Making a Map Using a Compass
• Building a MagLev Train Model
• MagLev Model Train Competition
• What are Cow Magnets?
• Do North and South Poles Ever Switch?
• What is Animal Magnetism?

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For more information contact Pat Dixon at pdixon@magnet.fsu.edu or (850) 644-4707.