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Gravity reaches out across space because it produces a fieldGravity is only a pulling force (force of attraction)
What we call the force of gravity is described as things interacting with a force fieldDEMO - spandex space model
Magnets always have two opposite poles (North + South)Magnets can pull and push (attract and repel)Magnetism is a natural phenomenon, but can also be created
We can see magnetic fields with a compassLearn how to read/use a compass by seeing Earth’s magnetic field (create a compass rose)Let’s map a magnetic fieldACTIVITY - Using a compass, draw the lines of a magnetic field on poster paper
Magnets have poles (no matter what shape they are)Only certain metals can be magnetic (ferromagnetic)Let’s make something magnetic!ACTIVITY - Make iron nails magnetic and see their behaviorDATA SHEET + DIAGRAM
Maglev trainsVIDEODIAGRAM
ElectromagnetsBasic elementsEXPERIMENTSCan you separate steel from aluminum?Do more coils mean more magnetic strength?MINI LAB REPORTMotorsMotors can use electromagnetism to run/spinMake a motorBUILD a spinning coil with electricity and magnetsDIAGRAM with labels
Electricity is about the positive and negative electric charges.Electric charge is a natural phenomenon in every material.Electricity only works if electrons (negative charges) are moving toward a positive.Electricity always works in a loop or a circuit.
Electric charge is out of balanceDischarge negative by reaching out to positive (and vice versa)Four stationsballoon-hairflying bagrolling cansalt n’ peppaOBSERVATIONSVIDEOSBill NyeJefferson Lab presentationClassroom safetyDEMO - Students experience it
Turn a turbine from a natural force (wind, water)Boil water by burning fuel (coal/gas/oil) or degrading uranium (nuclear)BONUS: How does a generator make electricity? (from spinning coils or magnets)VIDEO - understand solar cellsACTIVITY - Let’s build a penny batteryDIAGRAM + EXPLAIN
VIDEO - how electricity worksACTIVITY - build a paper circuitConductors + insulatorsVIDEO - How circuits workACTIVITY - PHET circuit simulatorACTIVITY - Build a pencil circuitACTIVITY + MATH - Build series and parallel circuitsMATH - Watts, Volts, Ohms, Amps
Plan by Week
An detailed outline of the topics and lessons in this unit.
Spooky Forces
An Investigation of Magnetism, Electricity, and Electromagnetism
Week by Week
WEEK OF
CLASS #
LESSON
READINGS
Jan 12-16
1-MoTu
PRESENT - Intro to the Unit
DEMO - Gravity field (spandex model)
ACTIVITY - Earth-compass activity
2
ACTIVITY - Bar magnet field drawing
ACTIVITY - Make iron nails magnetic and see their behavior
Jan 19-23
3-MoTu
PRESENT + DIAGRAM - Maglev trains
PRESENT - Electromagnet elements
ACTIVITY - Recycle steel from aluminum
EXPERIMENT - Grabbing nails
4
PRESENT - Motors and electromagnetism
ACTIVITY - Spin a coil with electricity and magnets
Jan 26-30
5-MoTu
Filler and catch-up class (M/T)
6
quiz
Feb 2-6
7-MoTu
PRESENT - Lightning
ACTIVITY - 4 static stations
8
DEMO - Students interact with VdG
PRESENT - Intro to a generator
10
PRESENT - Wind/water turbine
PRESENT - Turn turbines with steam
DIAGRAM - Fuel → Turbine → Generator → Electricity
tbd
Feb 16-20
NO CLASSES
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Feb 23-27
11-MoTu
PRESENT - Solar cells video
ACTIVITY - Penny battery
14
DEMO PROJECTS/Presentations
Mar 9-11
15-MoTu
DEMO PROJECTS/Presentations
ILC Thurs
16
tbd-filler
Mar 16-20
17
tbd-filler
Early Evals due
18
tbd-filler
Evals due
There are no rows in this table
Unit Flow
Spooky Force #1 - Gravity
VOCAB: field, attraction
Gravity
Spooky Force #2 - Magnetism
VOCAB: field, attraction, repulsion, poles, compass, ferromagnetic, electromagnetic, coil, motor
Magnets have fields
What is a magnet? What is magnetic?
Amazing uses of magnets
Electromagnetism
Magnetism Quiz
Spooky Force #3 - Electricity
VOCAB: electric charge, static, discharge, buildup, electron, proton, turbine, generator, battery, circuit, conductor, insulator, volts/watts, amps/ohms
Electricity is a natural phenomenon
Lightning
Static electricity
Van de Graaff device (static buildup)
Electricity is a force that we can create
From wind to electricity
Turn a turbine with steam
DIAGRAM - how a force turns a turbine which turns a generator which makes electricity
From solar energy (elemental reaction)
From chemical reactions (batteries)
Electricity is a force we can use - Circuits
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