Magnetic Attraction

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Teresa Eppolito
School Site
Alder Creek Middle School
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2018-04-30T12:00:00
Description

As our school continues to implement Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), we are having to purchase items for units not taught before.  I would like to purchase materials for hands-on science lessons where students will explore magnets and magnetic fields.  The exploratory lessons cover NGSS Science Standards for Middle School Motion and Stability:  Forces and Interactions.   This standard requires students to conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.  

 

Benefits of Program

By exploring magnets, students are indirectly introduced to the idea that there are forces that occur on Earth which cannot be seen. This idea can then be developed into an understanding that objects, such as the Earth or electrically charged objects, can pull on other objects.  The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) addressed:

MS-PS2-3 Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.

MS-PS2-5: Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.

Success of Program

Alder Creek is moving in the direction of standards-based grading.  Students will be assessed by teachers using proficiency scales we have developed.  Student proficiency in the two standards being addressed will help us determine the success of the science labs.  CAASPP science test scores for the new NGSS standards will also help us determine the success of this unit on magnetic fields.  In the past, Alder Creek 8th graders have done extremely well on science standards.  Our department feels this is due to the many hands-on and problem based activities we provide our students.

Implementation

In 8th grade, we plan to use the iron filings in labs where students will discover objects that magnets do and do not attract.  Students will see magnetic field lines using iron filings and draw them.  Students will apply the concept of a magnetic field to show that magnets exert a force on an object even when they are not in contact

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes, the items will be shared between the 8th grade teachers.  They will be available for any other staff member/grade level that may need the materials.

Sustainability
The items I would like to purchase should last for many years. Supplies will not need to be replenished.
Amount Funded
$120.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$110 - Sealed iron filings (40 each at $2.95 each)
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$10.00
Other funding sources

ACMS has a science budget which is used to purchase consumable items, books, lab equipment, etc.  At this point in time, however, we have exhausted our science funds for this school year.

File Uploads
Magnets .pdf (168.42 KB)