K3L17 Attract and Repel

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

Grade: K3

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Learning Objectives:

1. - Experiment with magnetic forces

   - Explain basic magnetic properties

   - Use complete sentences to describe magnetic actions

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Materials Needed:

- Strong magnets (neodymium or ceramic, minimum 0.75 inch)
- Small round magnets (for supervised use)
- Iron filings in sealed containers
- Lego blocks (12 per group)
- Card stock or sturdy paper
- Fishing line or thin string
- Paper clips
- Clear tape
- Labels for poles (N/S)
- Construction paper for maze
- Magnetic wands
- Markers

Lesson Procedure

3 mins - Welcome Time

- Sing "Hello Song"
- Introduce magnetic poles with demonstration

5 mins - Discovery Chat  

- Show magnetic field using sealed iron filings
- Discuss: "What do you see?"
- Vocabulary: attract, repel, poles, force

10 mins - Hands-On Challenge 1: Pole Investigation

- Explore magnetic poles with marked magnets
- Discover like/unlike poles
- Record: "Same poles push, different poles pull

10 mins - Hands-On Challenge 2: Magnetic Maze

- Design paper maze
- Guide magnetic object through maze
- Problem solve: "How can we move it?"

14 mins - Hands-On Challenge 3: Levitating Paper Clip Bridge 

• Provide materials for bridge building:

1. Lego blocks for supports
2. Folded paper for bridge deck
3. String or fishing line
4. Paper clips

• Guide children to:
Build two Lego towers (about 6 blocks high)

1. Create bridge by laying folded paper across towers
2. Tape magnet to center of paper bridge
3. Tie paper clip to string
4. Find "sweet spot" where paper clip floats
5. Add more paper clips to test magnetic chain

• Share observations with class

• Extension: Test different heights/distances

3 mins - Wrap-Up

- Share discoveries
- Sing "Goodbye Song"

Safety Notes:

• Adult supervision required
• Keep magnets away from electronic devices
• Never allow children under 3 to handle magnets
• Store magnets separately after use
• Use tape to secure loose components