Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Magnetism: Magnetic Field

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This stage of the lesson plan is crucial to establish a solid understanding of the magnetic field. By focusing on the main objectives, students will be able to consolidate their previously acquired knowledge and will be prepared to explore practical and theoretical applications of magnetism during classroom activities. Clarity in defining and identifying the components of the magnetic field will ensure that students can apply these concepts effectively and meaningfully.

Main Objectives:

1. Understand the definition of a magnetic field as a location where magnetic forces can be detected, and identify the magnetic field lines as visual representations of these forces.

2. Identify which materials interact with magnetic fields and distinguish bodies that are capable of generating a magnetic field, such as magnets.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction serves to engage students and connect the previously studied content with the real world through problem situations that make them think critically about how the magnetic field manifests in various contexts. Additionally, by contextualizing the theme with practical applications and historical curiosities, it aims to spark student interest and demonstrate the importance of magnetism in technological and scientific development.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine that you are in an electronics manufacturing plant and suddenly all the computers stop working. What could lead to this situation? How could knowledge about magnetic fields help solve the problem?

2. Think of a scenario where an explorer is trying to use a compass for direction, but the compass is behaving strangely near certain rocks. How can the understanding of magnetic fields explain this phenomenon and help the explorer?

Contextualization

Magnetism is present in many aspects of our daily lives, from the operation of electronic devices and motors to applications in medicine, such as magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, the history of magnetism dates back over 2,000 years when the Chinese discovered the compass, whose invention was crucial for maritime navigation. These examples illustrate the relevance and long history of the study of magnetic fields, motivating students to explore this phenomenon more deeply.

Development

Duration: (70 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed for students to practically and interactively apply the concepts of magnetic fields they studied previously. Through playful and contextualized activities, such as solving a mystery, building a magnetic roller coaster, or creating a film, this stage aims to solidify theoretical understanding while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity skills. By choosing one of the proposed activities, students will have the opportunity to explore magnetism in an engaging and meaningful way, ensuring deeper and lasting learning.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Magnetic Mystery: The Case of the Disappearing Items

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply knowledge about magnetic fields in solving a practical problem and develop teamwork and scientific argumentation skills.

- Description: Students will be detectives in a situation where they need to use their knowledge about magnetic fields to solve a mystery. Several objects have disappeared at school, and the only clues are marks from magnets found at the locations where the objects were.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to five students.

• Distribute a map of the school with markers indicating where the objects disappeared and where magnet marks were found.

• Each group should theorize and explain in writing how magnets could have been used to move the objects.

• The groups will present their theories and justifications to the class.

• Hold a group discussion on the different possibilities and conclusions, highlighting the magnetic field principles involved.

Activity 2 - Magnetic Field Builders

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand practically and playfully how magnetic fields can be used to move objects and develop engineering and applied physics skills.

- Description: In this activity, students will have to design and build a magnetic 'roller coaster.' They will use magnets to move small steel spheres, simulating a track that includes ups, downs, and curves.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to five students.

• Provide a construction kit that includes magnets, small steel spheres, and materials for building the track.

• Students must plan and construct a track that allows the spheres to move using only magnetic force.

• Test the designs and make adjustments as necessary.

• Each group will present their project and explain the magnetic principles applied.

Activity 3 - Magnetism Filmmakers

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop communication and creativity skills when explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way.

- Description: Students will create a short film or animation explaining a key concept about magnetic fields, such as the formation of field lines, using storytelling techniques and creative visualization.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of five.

• Each group will choose a key concept about magnetic fields to explain in the film.

• Groups should plan the script and produce the film or animation using digital resources or visual arts materials.

• Present the films to the class.

• Hold a discussion about the different approaches and effectiveness of communication from each group.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning, allowing students to articulate what they have learned and hear their peers' perspectives. The group discussion helps reinforce the concepts of magnetic fields and the practical application of these concepts, as well as promote communication and critical thinking skills. This collective feedback also serves for the teacher to assess students' understanding and clarify any remaining doubts.

Group Discussion

At the end of the activities, gather all students for a group discussion. Start the conversation with a brief introduction: 'Now that everyone has had the opportunity to explore the world of magnetic fields in creative ways, let's share what we discovered. Each group will have a few minutes to briefly present what they did and the main conclusions or learnings. After the presentations, we will open the floor for questions and comments.'

Key Questions

1. What were the biggest challenges your group faced when applying the concepts of magnetic field in the activities?

2. How did the previously studied theory help or limit the solutions you developed during the activities?

3. What other practical applications can you imagine for the understanding of magnetic fields that we explored today?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of key concepts, as well as to perceive the cohesion between theory and practice. This section also serves to reinforce the relevance of studying the magnetic field, motivating students to continue exploring and questioning the topic.

Summary

To conclude, the teacher should conduct a brief review of the main concepts addressed regarding the magnetic field, highlighting the definition and visualization of magnetic field lines, as well as the materials that interact with these fields and those capable of generating them, such as magnets.

Theory Connection

During the lesson, the connection between the theory studied and the practical activities was clearly demonstrated. Students were able to apply theoretical knowledge in problem-solving and practical situations, such as solving a mystery and building a magnetic roller coaster, evidencing the relevance and applicability of magnetic field concepts in everyday life and in more complex projects.

Closing

Finally, it is essential to emphasize the importance of studying magnetism, not only for its application in technologies present in various aspects of our lives but also for its rich history and the ongoing discoveries and innovations that this field of physics provides, inspiring future scientists and engineers.