Becky McCoy

Magnetism Unit Overview

High School Methods Class
Amanda Gunning

OVERVIEW:
The purpose of this unit is to familiarize the students with the role that magnets play in their lives and the
scientific principles the support them. Students will have opportunities to learn this by participating in
laboratory investigations, completing scientific and historical research, observe demonstrations, and take a field
trip to see a hydroelectric generator. Students must work together and individually to complete assignments and
will be continually challenged to use metacognition to assess their own understanding. Lab skills include
following procedure, making predictions, and manipulating data as well as reporting data through writing.
There will be several opportunities for students to be assessed using a combination of formative and summative
styles, including pop quiz, formal test, end of unit problem, homework assignments, in class discussions, etc.
By the end of the unit, students should be able to explain basic magnetic principles as well as more complicated
processes, such as a hydroelectric generator and Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine.

Class Session Style Objectives Students Will

1 Lab • To explore and define
magnetic properties.
2 Lab • Discover the shape,
direction, and equation of
magnetic fields.
3 Lecture • Use hand rules to
describe magnetic fields.
• Demonstrate several
examples of current
inducing magnetic fields.
4 Lab • Determine the primary
relationships between
magnetism and electricity.
• Use magnets to discover the magnetic
properties of different materials.
• Manipulate magnets and materials to draw
conclusions about what “magnetism” means.
• Predict how variables affect magnetic
strength.
• Observe teacher demonstrations.
• Use magnets and iron filings to discover
the shape of magnetic fields.
• Learn how to use the force equation
associated with magnetic fields.
• Answer questions to review last class’
material.
• Watch teacher demonstrations.
• Learn the Right/Left hand rules.
• Work with lab groups to practice the hand
rules.
• Quick write to activate prior knowledge.
• Manipulate virtual variables to determine
cause and effect in different magnetic
circumstances.
• Complete lab worksheet using PhET
simulation.
• Work individually or in pairs.
• Use PhET simulation to introduce
hydroelectric generators and Hoover Dam.
5-6 Lecture • Illustrate the
relationship between
magnetism and electricity
through the Hoover Dam.
7-8 Lab • Investigate the uses and
science behind the MRI
machine.
9 Test Review • Review unit content and
prepare for the test.
10 Test • Assess student
understanding through a
summative exam.
11 Field Trip • C
onnect student learning and
content material to the real-
life application.
• Watch a video about the Hoover Dam.
• Learn historical and social facts about the
dam.
• Take notes on and draw the different parts
of the Hydroelectric generators.
• Make a list of the aspects of the dam to
look out for on the field trip.
• Demonstrate content understanding
through a pop quiz.
• Watch a video about MRI machines.
• Take notes on the scientific application
found in MRI machines.
• Discover more about MRI machines
through the PhET lab.
• Create their own review game questions.
• Compete against one another for bonus points.
• Review for the test via a trivia-like game.
• Demonstrate understanding of content.
• Go to Hoover Dam.
• Complete class-made scavenger hunt.