Science·Forces & Motion·conceptual
Electromagnets
Describe the magnetic effect of an electric current (a current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field), and investigate how the strength of an electromagnet depends on current, number of coil turns, and core material
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Describes that a current-carrying wire produces a circular magnetic field
- Lists three factors that affect electromagnet strength: current size, number of coil turns, and core material
- Explains why an electromagnet can be switched on and off, unlike a permanent magnet
Assessment prompt
If Electromagnets built an electromagnet using a battery, wire, and iron nail, could they describe two ways to make it pick up more paperclips — and explain why it stops working when the circuit is switched off?
Standards alignment
MS-PS2-3US · ngss-ms
MS-PS2-3
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School