http://library.advanced.org/11924/emagnet2.html

Did you know that magnets are hiding in many common things you use every day? You can tell that magnets have power, but how are they related to electricity? What can you make that uses the power of magnets?

Tasks

1. Take a pretest at The Wizard's Lab.

2. Follow the lessons below:

3. Write an explanatory paragraph.

3. Take a posttest at The Wizard's Lab.

Lesson 1

Go to "Magnetism and Electricity"

at The Wizard's Lab

to find information on the following topics:

• What is electricity?
• Terms
• Manipulation
• Magnetism
• Links between electricity and magnets
• Applications
• Click here to enter The Wizard's Lab now!

How are electricity and magnetism related? Review here to find the answer. Write a short explanation about the relationship and e-mail it to Mrs. Black.

Go back to The Wizard's Lab and take the quiz again to see what you learned. E-mail the results to Mrs. Black.

Visiting the final site will show you how magnetism is used to generate most of the electricity used in the world. Use the site to create your own motor Beakman's Electric Motor (optional).
 
 

Description

This activity requires the student to access the internet to research concepts on magnetism and electricity. It is designed to supplement instruction in the classroom as well as provide experience in using computers and the internet for research.

Grade Level: 4th

Objectives

The student will be able to:

1. Describe the properties and uses of magnets.

2. Describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

3. Describe how a motor functions.

4. Research the internet and e-mail.

Background

Electricity is a natural phenomenon that is present in lightning and static electricity. Electricity has been the focus of research and study throughout history. It plays an important part in the world today yet few understand how electricity is generated. Magnetism and electricity share a unique symbiotic relationship. Magnetism is caused by the movement of electrons. The word "electric" is derived from the word "electron". Magnetism can produce an electric current. Conversely, an electric current produces a magnetic field commonly known as an electromagnet. An electromagnet is an important part of an electric motor. It is responsible for the transformation of electric energy to mechanical energy.

Technical Requirements

Computer with internet access

Instructions on completing the Web Quest

Each student will need to read and follow directions, research, and e-mail their descriptions about how electricity and magnets are related and posttest to their teacher. Opportunity for building the electric motor and/or an electromagnet may be scheduled in a seperate class activity, or as a home link project.

Extension and Follow-up Class Activities

• Building the motor can be used as an additional classroom experience, rather than an optional activity. Choose any of the following: Beakman's Electric Motor , Motor Effect activity, or make a Stripped Down Motor.
• Vocabulary and concepts can be used to generate additional test and/or quiz questions.
• Students can make an electromagnet as an additional classroom experience.
• Making An Electromagnet

• Washington State science standards
• Science Snacks On Line
• The Wizard's Lab