Magnetic fields

Magnetic fields

Auto-markingPencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about selecting compass orientations to show the direction of magnetic fields.
 
 
magnetic-fields-N-S.png

Peter was working out a line of magnetic force using a compass as an indicator.

Work out which compass best fits at each of the 4 points A, B, C, and D.

Question

a)  Which compass best shows the direction of the field at point A?   (Select one)

    • magnetic-fields-option-1.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-2.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-3.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-4.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-5.png

Question

b)  Which compass best shows the direction of the field at point B?  (Select one)

    • magnetic-fields-option-1.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-2.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-3.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-4.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-5.png

Question

c)  Which compass best shows the direction of the field at point C?  (Select one)

    • magnetic-fields-option-1.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-2.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-3.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-4.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-5.png

Question

d)  Which compass best shows the direction of the field at point D?  (Select one)

    • magnetic-fields-option-1.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-2.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-3.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-4.png

    • magnetic-fields-option-5.png

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (with auto marking displayed to students).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, forces, magnetic fields, magnets, compass
Description of task: 
Students select which of five compass orientations best show the direction of a magnetic field at four different locations.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using diagrams to communicate science information.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 

Y11 (03/1998)
a)    magnetic-fields-option-3.png easy
b)  magnetic-fields-option-1.png very difficult
c)   magnetic-fields-option-4.png difficult
d)  magnetic-fields-option-5.png difficult
Diagnostic and formative information: 
  Common errors
b) magnetic-fields-option-5.png – 45% of students.
 magnetic-fields-option-2.png  – 20% of students.
c)  magnetic-fields-option-2.png – 27% of students.
d)  magnetic-fields-option-2.png –18% of students.
 magnetic-fields-option-4.png– 18% of students.