Power of Magnets

Power of Magnets: Investigations Into Magnetic Fields and Forces is an exciting part of the Science Unlocked Accelerate level curriculum kits. Feel the pull toward this physics kit and get hands-on with magnets to find out what they can do and how they do it. Test the magnetism of burned matches, find out how many paper clips a magnetized paper clip can pick up, visualize a magnetic field with iron filings, make a three-dimensional magnetic force pyramid, and build an electromagnetic motor. "Power of Magnets" comes with a full-color Student Curriculum Workbook and a in-depth Teacher Guide. It is a phenomenon-based approach, designed to fully engage students in the science of magnetism.

Through a series of experiments, students will learn what makes a magnet a magnet (including at the subatomic level), what magnetic fields are like, how magnetic force acts on objects, and how electricity and magnetism are closely connected. As part of a special program from Home Science Tools, this Accelerate level kit will provide over 10 hours of engaging instruction, helping your student gain knowledge and confidence while doing real science.

In this kit, the student will do these activities and more:

1. Test the magnetism of matches before and after burning
2. Make a paper clip magnetic with a neodymium magnet
3. Use iron filings to see what a magnet field "looks" like
4. Build a pyramid device to observe magnetic forces acting on a central object
5. Make an electromagnetic motor with just a few basic components

Use "Power of Magnets" to answer questions such as:

• Are matches magnetic?
• How can a paper clip become a magnet?
• What does a magnetic field look like?
• What does magnetic force do, and what is it affected by?
• How do electricity and magnetism interact?

Our power of Magnets kit is a part of the Science Unlocked Accelerate series and is recommended for grades 3-7.

Interested in learning more? Check out our Student Workbook Sample and Teacher Guide Sample!

Customer FAQs:

Question: I can't get the disc magnets apart. What should I do?
Answer: Find the vial that the block magnet came in. Remove the block magnet and replace it with the disc magnets. Use the edge of the vial opening to separate one magnet off the top by sliding the top magnet sideways. If you no longer have the vial, you can do the same thing with the edge of a table; magnetic force is weaker from side-to-side rather than straight on. 

This kit contains:

• Aluminum pie plate, 5-inch (2)
• Battery, D type (2)
• Copper wire, 15 feet
• Dowel, 1/8" width, 12-inch length (6)
• Drawing paper, 9X12-inch
• Fishing line, 2 yards
• Iron filings, 30 grams
• Matches, outdoor only (2)
• Modeling dough
• Nail, bright finish
• Neodymium block magnet
• Neodymium disc magnet (3)
• Paper clips, box of 100
• Ring magnet, 1.14-inch
• Zip-close bag, 5X7-inch

You will also need:

• Scissors
• Vegetable oil or mineral oil (optional)

More Information

• SDS Information