Motors & Study Guide

April 5th

Today we took apart a simple motor and put them back together. We found that these motors use electromagnets to function. 

The second part of class we worked on our study guide for the Electricity and Magnetism test. 

Sorry, there were no pictures taken. 

Electromagnet Lab

April 4th

Testable Question:  How does the number of coils wrapped around a nail affect the strength of the electromagnet (measured by the number of paper clips picked up)?

We found out that the more coils wrapped around a nail, the stronger the electromagnet becomes. 

The students graphed their results and wrote a power conclusion about the lab. 

Compasses & Electromagnet Stations

April 3rd

Today the students rotated to 3 different stations. At the stations the students made the following things...

1. Water Pan Compasses

2. Suspended Needle Compasses

3. Electromagnet

Sorry, I forgot to take pictures!

Magnetic Strength Lab

April 2nd

Today the students tested the magnetic strength of one magnet compared to multiple magnets. 

Testable Question:  How does the number of magnets affect the strength of the magnet(s) as measured by how many paper clips are picked up?

We found that the more magnets stacked, the more paper clips that will be picked up (the strength of the magnet(s) increase).

Magnetism

April 1st

Given a "Bag O' Stuff" the students first tested random materials to see which had magnetic properties.

Second, the students got a bar magnet and observed the magnetic field around a magnet using iron filings.