Lesson Plan: Forces, Electricity, and Waves - Magnets

Subject: Sciences Topic: Forces, Electricity, and Waves - Magnets Level: Fourth Level Curriculum: Scottish Curriculum for Excellence

Lesson Objective: I can help to design and carry out investigations into the strength of magnets and electromagnets. From investigations, I can compare the properties, uses, and commercial applications of electromagnets and supermagnets.

Resources: - Magnets (bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, ring magnets) - Electromagnets - Supermagnets - Iron filings - Paper clips - Compass - Power source (battery) - Wires - Light bulbs - Various objects to test magnetism

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of magnets and their properties. 2. Show different types of magnets (bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, ring magnets) and discuss their shapes and magnetic fields. 3. Introduce the concept of electromagnets and supermagnets, explaining how they differ from regular magnets.

Main Activity (30 minutes): 1. Divide the students into small groups and provide them with materials to conduct investigations into the strength of magnets and electromagnets. 2. Instruct students to test the strength of different magnets by attracting various objects (paper clips, iron filings, etc.). 3. Have students design and carry out experiments to compare the properties of electromagnets and supermagnets. 4. Encourage students to record their observations and measurements during the investigations.

Discussion (15 minutes): 1. Bring the class back together and have each group share their findings from the investigations. 2. Facilitate a discussion on the properties, uses, and commercial applications of electromagnets and supermagnets. 3. Encourage students to compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of each type of magnet.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of magnets in everyday life. 2. Assign a follow-up activity, such as researching a specific commercial application of electromagnets or supermagnets. 3. Encourage students to continue exploring the world of magnets and their uses.

Assessment: - Observe students during the investigations to assess their ability to design and carry out experiments. - Review students’ recorded observations and measurements to evaluate their understanding of magnet properties. - Engage students in discussions to assess their ability to compare and contrast electromagnets and supermagnets.

Extension: - Challenge students to design and build their own electromagnets using the materials provided. - Explore the concept of magnetic fields and how they are affected by different materials. - Research the history of magnets and their significance in scientific discoveries.