Eighth Grade Lesson on Electromagnets

Description

• Focus: Understanding magnets, electrical forces, and creating electromagnets.
• Activity: Design an electromagnet and research its applications in advanced manufacturing.

Advanced Manufacturing Jobs

• Electrical and electronics engineering technicians
• Electro-mechanical technicians
• Industrial engineering technicians

Essential Vocabulary

• Magnet: Attracts certain substances like iron.
• Electric current: Flow rate of electric charges.
• Electromagnet: Magnet formed by electric current.
• Electric Motor: Converts electrical to mechanical energy.
• Manufacturing: Large-scale production using machinery.

Math Standards

• 8.F.A.2: Compare two functions represented differently.
• 8.F.B.5: Describe functional relationships via graphs.
• Standards for Math Practice:
  • MP1: Problem-solving skills.
  • MP2: Abstract and quantitative reasoning.
  • MP3: Argument construction and critique.
  • MP4: Mathematical modeling.
  • MP5: Strategic use of tools.
  • MP6: Precision in practice.
  • MP7: Utilization of structure.
  • MP8: Express regularity in reasoning.

Science Standards

• P.S.2: Motion and stability in forces and interactions.
• ETS.1: Model design and testing for optimal electromagnet designs.
• Practices and Concepts:
  • Asking questions, designing problems, using models, conducting investigations, analyzing data, computational thinking, constructing explanations, engaging in argument, and communicating information.
  • Crosscutting concepts include patterns, cause and effect, scale, systems, structure, energy, and stability.

Lesson Structure

Engage

• Brainstorming on magnets.
• Questions include:
  1. Everyday uses of magnets?
  2. Identifying magnetic objects?
  3. Understanding electrical current flow?
• Activities: Observing and testing various objects (e.g., pencils, paper clips) for magnetism.

Explore

• Background Review: Forces exerted by magnets.
• Activity: Testing the strength of a magnet with paperclips and tape.
  • Use materials like bar magnets, clothespins, and paperclips.
  • Evaluate the effect of tape on magnetic attraction.

Explain

• Video: "The Science Behind Magnets: How do they work?"
• Demonstration: Show magnetic field strength variation over distance using thread and a paperclip.
• Essential Question: How electromagnets affect productivity.

Elaborate

• Design and test an electromagnet to lift paperclips.
• Modify design by changing variables (e.g., wire thickness).
• Research industrial uses and impacts of electromagnets.
• Present findings and recommendations.

Evaluate

• Standard-based assessments to gauge student understanding and skill mastery.

Resources

• Handouts: Engaging with Magnets, Exploring Magnet Strength, Electromagnets Research.
• Video: "The Science Behind Magnets."
• References: Various educational and scientific sources on electromagnets and manufacturing.

Teacher Notes on Electromagnets

• Magnetic forces and poles.
• Electric charges and currents.
• Historical context: Hans Christian Oersted's discovery.
• Applications in modern technology: motors and generators.

Electromagnets Research, Design and Test

• Objectives: Design and test an electromagnet, identify properties affecting strength, research applications in manufacturing.
• Steps: Group work, research, design, testing, data analysis.
• Graphing: Relationship between wire coils and staples picked.
• Improvement: Analyze results, adjust variables, retest.

Electromagnets Design and Research Rubric

• Evaluation of design, research, understanding of electromagnetism, and communication of findings.
  • Components evaluated on a scale from "Above Expectations" to "Below Expectations."