Magnet Mining
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
3.5 hours
Total Time
3.5 hours
Area of Science
Physics
Key Concepts
Magnetism
Learning Objectives
- Describe what factors affect the strength of magnetic forces.
- Provide evidence that magnetic fields exist between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.
- Conduct investigations to measure the strength of a magnetic field.
Credits
Kathy Biernat, MS, Junior High Science Teacher
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
![]() OverviewHow was magnetism responsible for the destruction of dozens of ships during World War II? In this lesson, your students will explore the concepts of magnetic fields and forces using the example of World War II magnetic mines. With the help of a magnetometer and Google's Science Journal app, students will investigate what factors affect the strength of a magnetic field. Then they will use their knowledge to try to discover the location of hidden "mines" and investigate how they can cloak a magnetic field to become undetectable by a magnetic trigger mechanism.NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() Materials per group of 2–3 students:
Materials for teachers:
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Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
3.5 hours
Total Time
3.5 hours
Area of Science
Physics
Key Concepts
Magnetism
Credits
Kathy Biernat, MS, Junior High Science Teacher
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies Learning Objectives
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