Standards

Earth and some earth materials have magnetic properties. Without touching them, a magnet attracts things made of iron and either pushes or pulls on other magnets. Electricity is a form of energy. Current electricity can be generated and transmitted through pathways. Some materials are capable of carrying electricity more effectively than other materials. Static electricity is a result of objects being electrically charged. Without touching them, materials that are electrically charged may either push or pull other charged materials.

Standard 3
Students will understand that magnetism can be observed when there is an interaction between the magnetic fields of magnets or between a magnet and materials made of iron.

Objective 1 Investigate and compare the behavior of magnetism using magnets.


  1. Compare various types of magnets (e.g., permanent, temporary, and natural magnets) and their abilities to push or pull iron objects they are not touching.
  2. Investigate how magnets will both attract and repel other magnets.
  3. Compare permanent magnets and electromagnets.
  4. Research and report the use of magnets that is supported by sound scientific principles.

Objective 2 Describe how the magnetic field of Earth and a magnet are similar.


  1. Compare the magnetic fields of various types of magnets (e.g., bar magnet, disk magnet, horseshoe magnet).
  2. Compare Earth’s magnetic field to the magnetic field of a magnet.
  3. Construct a compass and explain how it works.
  4. Investigate the effects of magnets on the needle of a compass and compare this to the effects of Earth’s magnetic field on the needle of a compass (e.g., magnets effect the needle only at close distances, Earth’s magnetic field affects the needle at great distances, magnets close to a compass overrides the Earth’s effect on the needle).

Standard 4
Students will understand features of static and current electricity.