FLYING PAPER CLIPS

PROBLEM: Can I make a paper clip float in the air?

RESEARCH: Read about magnetic fields in a science textbook. Write two or three paragraphs about what you read.

HYPOTHESIS: Based on your research, how far away from the paperclip do you think you can get the magnet?

MATERIALS:

one paper clip

a piece of thread

one magnet

tape                    

PROCEDURE:

1. Tie the thread to the paper clip. Tape the other end of the thread to the table.

2. Hold the magnet just above the paper clip so it appears to float at the end of the thread.

3. Enrichment: List and try ten other objects in your house that you can substitute for the paper clip.

4. Enrichment: What can you do so the paper clip will not fly?

DATA: Write a paragraph and discuss your observations. Write a second paragraph and explain what you can infer from your observations. If you did the enrichment, be sure to make a data table to show what worked and what did not.

CONCLUSION: This is not optional. You must explain what you learned by doing this activity.

Remember that you must answer the question you asked in your original problem statement.

NOTE: BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNS YOUR WORK. PARENTS: YOUR SIGNATURE SHOWS YOUR STUDENT HAS DONE THE WORK.

TEACHER SECTION:

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS: The paper clip stays in the air because the magnet attracts it.

POSSIBLE CONCLUSION: The magnetic attraction goes beyond the magnet so the paper clip doesn’t have to touch the magnet to attract it.

E-Mail

Judy Schneider

!