Using the PhET simulation Magnet and Compass and these inquiry based lab resources, your students will investigate the relationship between magnets, magnetic fields, and compasses.

Students can change the position and orientation of a bar magnet to observe changes in the compass's needle direction. The simulation illustrates the invisible magnetic field that extends from the magnet’s north to south pole, helping students visualize the magnetic field lines. By changing the strength of the bar magnet and its position, students can investigate important concepts such as magnetic field strength, polarity and the behavior of a compass in the presence of a magnet.

After completing this online lab, students should be able to:

(1) predict the direction of the magnetic field at different locations around the bar magnet.

(2) describe what happens to the magnetic strength as you move away from the bar magnet.

(3) draw the magnetic field for a bar magnet.

(4) compare the Earth’s magnetic field to that of a bar magnet.

This product includes:

1) a getting started teachers guide

2) two pages of notes covering magnets and magnetic fields

3) three page lab activity

4) solutions for all of the lab worksheets.

PhET Interactive Simulations incorporate research based, student centered activities that are fun and easy to use. All of the PhET online simulations are available from their website: phet.colorado.edu. The simulations can be done in the classroom or during distance learning.

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