ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM WEB QUEST

http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks

HOW ARE ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM RELATED?

Student Quest Sheet

Electricity and Magnetism

by Peggy Fouquier (St. Clement of Rome, Metairie, LA) and Marie Pipkin (St. Andrew the Apostle, New Orleans, LA)
June 25, 1999

Name_________________________

Class__________________________

Date__________________________

http://library.advanced.org/11924/emagnet2.html

Introduction

Is magnetism a magnet attracting a piece of steel? Knowledge ofmagnets and magnetism will help you understand how many electrical devices used daily actually work. When you discover how magnetism and electricity are related you will realize why electricity and magnetism are studied together.

Tasks

>Complete the online worksheets

>Print a version to submit to instructor

Lesson 1

1. Go to the following web sites to find information on magnets.

What are magnets?

What are temporary magnets?

What are permanent magnets?

What are electromagnets?

What are some uses of magnets?

Lesson 2

2. Are electricity and magnetism related? Review this site to find the answer. Write a short explanation about the relationship.

Evaluation

Submit a printed copy of worksheets to the instructor.

Conclusion

Visiting the following site will show you how magnetism is used to generate most of the electricity used in the world. Use the site to create your own motor (optional).

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TEACHER'S GUIDE

Electricity and Magnetism

by Peggy Fouquier (St.Clement of Rome, Metairie, LA) and Marie Pipkin (St.Andrew the Apostle, New Orleans, LA)
June 25, 1999

Description

This activity requires the student to access the internet to research concepts on magnetism and electricity. It is designed to supplement instruction in the classroom as well as provide experience in using computers and the internet for research.

Grade Level: 5th and 6th

Objectives

The student will be able to:

1. Describe the properties and uses of magnets.

2. Describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

3. Describe how a motor functions.

4. Print information gathered from the internet.

Background

Electricity is a natural phenomenon that is present in lightning and static electricity. Electricity has been the focus of research and study throughout history. It plays an important part in the world today yet few understand how electricity is generated. Magnetism and electricity share a unique symbiotic relationship. Magnetism is caused by the movement of electrons. The word "electric" is derived from the word "electron". Magnetism can produce an electric current. Conversely, an electric current produces a magnetic field commonly known as an electromagnet. An electromagnet is an important part of an electric motor. It is responsible for the transformation of electric energy to mechanical energy.

Time Frame

1 class period (40-45 minutes)

Technical Requirements

Computer with internet access
Printer

Instructions on completing the Web Quest

Each student will need to print a copy of the student worksheet from the internet. The questions can be answered in the space provided on the worksheet. The completed copy is turned into the instructor. Opportunity for building the electric motor may be scheduled in a seperate class activity.

Worksheet Answers

Lesson 1

Magnets are made of materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt. They have electrons moving in the same direction. All magnets have two poles, North and South. They are opposite poles which attract one another.

Temporary magnets do not have magnetic properties at all times. Magnetism is only present when an electric current is present.

Permenant magnets occur in nature and can be man-made. Magnetic properties are always present.

An electromagnet is a temporary magnet. It has a soft iron core surrounded by a wire coil throught which an electric current is passed. The electric current causes the iron coil to become magnetized. Magnetic properties are lost when the electric current is removed.

Lesson 2

Even the word electromagnet suggests a relationship between electricity (electro) and magnetism (magnet). The presence of an electric current can produce magnetism, and the presence of a magnetic field can produce an electric current. (Student answers will vary, but should include this basic knowledge.)

Extension and Follow-up Class Activities

Building the motor can be used as an additional classroom experience, rather than an optional activity.

Vocabulary and concepts can be used to generate additional test and/or quiz questions.

Students can make an electromagnet as an additional classroom experience.

Students can explore the relationship between a compass and magnetism.

Related internet activities

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