Which magnet is the strongest?

Which magnet is the strongest?

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about investigating the strength of magnets.
Your task is to find out which magnet is the strongest, by using the equipment you have been given.
 
a)
Explain to your teacher how you will find this out. Now carry out your plan.
b)
For each magnet draw the magnet's shape and then write down your results in the boxes below.
 
 
Drawing of Magnet
Results
Magnet A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Magnet B
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Magnet C
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c)
 
Which magnet is the strongest?   _______________
Give a reason for your answer.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task administration: 
Equipment
3 magnets (preferably different size and strength); a bag of metal paper clips.
  • The magnets we used in trialling were: a small horse shoe magnet, a flat fridge magnet, a small round magnet from the back of a novelty fridge magnet, and a bar magnet.
  • You may need to check that students have a consistent method of picking up the paperclips with the magnets.
  • This task could be carried out as a group assessment.
Level:
2
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, forces, investigation, magnets, magnetism
Description of task: 
This practical task requires students to plan a method to determine which magnet is the strongest. Students carry out their plan, record results and write a conclusion.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss methodolgy and fari testing in investigations.
 
Capability: Use evidence
This resource provides opportunities to discuss using evidence to support ideas.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data, Use evidence
Making Better Sense: 
Magnetic Strength
Answers/responses: 
a) The students explain a plan that has the following:

  • A consistent method of attaching paper clips.
  • A method of judging which magnet is the strongest.
b) Diagram of magnet and results are recorded, i.e., number of paper clips held by the magnet for each of the magnets tested.
c) States which magnet is the strongest, and the reason why, e.g., it picked up more paper clips.