Polar Opposites (4th)

Magnetic Interactions

4th Grade

4.P2U1.3 4.P4U1.1 5.P2U1.3 S8P5a 4P.1.1.2.1NGSSS SC.4.P.8.4 PS.4.1.1 4.C.7

Storyline

Using their knowledge of magnetic interactions, the crew will infiltrate Moodoo's stronghold to get a valuable, stolen crystal back.

Moodoo has struck again! This time, he has targeted one of our galaxy's most valuable treasures - a rare crystal that can power an entire planet for centuries. This crystal was powering the planet Tellenor, but Moodoo has taken it back to his stronghold and set up defenses to keep anyone from getting the crystal back from him. Students will need to investigate how to get past a laser maze by determining the correct arrangement of magnets and static electricity required to deactivate the lasers. This investigation will require students to demonstrate an understanding of how magnets and static electricity can cause objects to move without touching.

Est. time: 21 min.

Targeted Standards

4.P2U1.3 Develop and use a model to demonstrate magnetic forces.

4.P4U1.1 Develop and use a model to demonstrate how a system transfers energy from one object to another even when the objects are not touching.

5.P2U1.3 Construct an explanation using evidence to demonstrate that objects can affect other objects even when they are not touching.

S8P5a Construct an argument using evidence to support the claim that fields (i.e., magnetic fields, gravitational fields, and electric fields) exist between objects exerting forces on each other even when the objects are not in contact.

4P.1.1.2.1 Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.*

NGSSS SC.4.P.8.4 Investigate and describe that magnets can attract magnetic materials and attract and repel other magnets.

PS.4.1 Understand how various forces affect the motion of an object.

1. Ask questions to summarize the relationship of magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

4.C.7 Engage collaboratively to accomplish a common goal or purpose.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Magnetic forces can attract or repel objects depending on their orientation and proximity.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and Using Models

Students use the provided data, visual models, options, and video to understand the behavior of magnets and develop the best strategy for deactivating the lasers.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Students analyze data in the form of a data table, visual models, electronic simulations, etc. to make an informed decision regarding the best position for the magnets.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

Students identify patterns in the behavior of magnets and use that knowledge to solve Moodoo's puzzle. They will observe that the direction a magnet faces will affect its force and motion (i.e. if two magnets are near each other with like poles, they will repel each other, but if opposite poles are facing each other, the magnets will be attracted to each other).

Cause and Effect

Students observe the effects of magnetic forces and use that understanding to deactivate the laser maze. They'll notice that the if a magnet is closer in proximity, it'll have a greater force and that magnets being turned in various directions has an observable effect.

Systems and System Models

Students explore how the generator and magnets work together as a system to control the laser maze.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS2.B: Types of Interactions

Electric and magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require that the objects be in contact. The sizes of the forces in each situation depend on the properties of the objects and their distances apart and, for forces between two magnets, on their orientation relative to each other.