Subject: Science, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

Lesson Length: 45 mins - 1 hour

Topic: Physical Science, Magnets, Energy

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, 9

Standards / Framework:

Brief Description: Students will display the interaction between two objects in a magnetic field and how their forces change.

Know Before You Start: Students should be familiar with magnetic fields and how objects interact.

Hook:

  • Ask students:
    • “What is a magnetic field?”
    • “How can magnetic fields be used to store energy?”
    • “What are some ways objects interact in a magnetic field?”

Activity:

  • Have students discuss magnetic fields, object interaction, and energy.
  • Have students choose objects that would interact in a magnetic field, and then choose objects to feature in a comic.
  • Have students create a comic that shows the interaction between their chosen objects in a magnetic field.

Closure:

  • Have students share their comics with the class or in small groups.
  • Have students explain why they chose their objects to illustrate magnetic interactions.
  • Have students discuss practical applications of magnetic fields, such as recycling cranes, electromagnets, magnetic door and cabinet locks, maglev trains, MRI machines, and solar and wind generators.
  • Emphasize that magnets can be used to convert energy from mechanical to electrical and vice versa.

Differentiation:

  • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
  • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
  • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
  • Allow students to choose simpler representations (magnets interacting with each other) or more complex (magnets in a generator) as appropriate.
  • If students struggle to represent magnetic fields in their comics, allow them to use a practical application of magnets, such as one listed in the closure, instead.

Suggested Story Starters: