Amaze your students by exploring repulsion force with levitation! This inquiry-based experiment helps students explore the properties of magnets, forces, and interactions, magnetic fields, and levitation. This unique and exciting science activity can be completed within a single class session and uses simple supplies. Perfect for aligning with NGSS and your science curriculum. We offer various methods to differentiate the activity to suit your students and classroom setup.

Great For

• NGSS 3-PS2-3: Ask questions to determine causes and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
• an introduction to a Maglev train STEM project.
• centers and science stations for a magnet unit.
• ideal for STEM summer camps and enrichment days. It keeps students curious and allows them to design and problem-solve the design.
• science clubs, scout groups, homeschool, and family STEM/STEAM nights
• a science fair project. Students use the concept to create a more in-depth investigation.

Included in the Hands-On Investigation and Teacher Guide:

• Background Information and Tips
• Ideas for Differentiation
• 4 Square Vocabulary Discover Page on Repulsion Force
• Hovering Power Task Card
• Two Options for Set-Up.
• Science Process Skills Answer Sheet
• CER Prompt Answer Sheet
• Answer Keys

Students will

• take the lead in their learning by measuring the strength of the repulsion force by levitating water. High Engagement!
• be amazed as the cup lowers like an elevator and rises when the water is removed.
• observe, predict, explain, problem solve, and collaborate with their peers.
• complete a claims, evidence, and reasoning worksheet (CER) or science process skills worksheet.
• love watching magnets “levitate” while exploring real-world physics concepts in a fun, memorable way.

Benefits to Teachers

• The lab focuses on using everyday supplies. The unique lab setup includes several design options and ways to modify supplies.
• Supports understanding of non-contact forces.
• Allows students to think like scientists and take the lead in their learning.
• Provides an experience with magnetic phenomena before you dive into the vocabulary and scientific properties of magnets.
• Improves class discussions because they have a hands-on experience.
• It can be easily integrated into your curriculum. My favorite way to use it is for an introduction to creating a Maglev Train model.

Supplies Needed: Supplies depend on the setup. The easy setup uses clay, foam plates, cardboard, and new pencils. We also recommend dowel rods and foam squares from the dollar store. All setups use donut magnets.

This science exploration is part of a complete station activity. The bundle includes 5 exploration stations, 3 bonus explorations, a Passport Card, and group roles. Students love rotating between activities. It will make them magnetic experts! We hope your students have a wonderful experience discovering the properties of magnets. With the bundle, you can save 20% off each resource.

Properties of Magnets Science Stations | Physical Science Activities Bundle

Great for the classroom, Maglev Train STEM Project, science clubs, scout groups, centers, homeschoolers, Family STEM/STEAM nights, Theme Activities

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Please contact us with any questions. We are here to help.

Yours in Science,

Kimberly Scott

All parts are copyrighted. Please see the terms of use in the download. Please use good lab practices. The seller is not responsible for the use or misuse of the activities.