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Physical science · Grades 6–8

Magnet Pull and Distance

How does distance change a magnet's pull?

The lesson

What students do

A cabinet latch must pull through a thin cover. Test how the space between a magnet and steel affects the pull.

  1. Place a magnet under one index card.
  2. Add paper clips above the card until no more are held.
  3. Repeat three times.
  4. Add more card layers and run the same tests.

For teachers

Standards connections

This short investigation supports parts of these standards. It does not cover the full standard by itself.

MS-PS2-3Use results to ask how distance affects magnetic force.

PracticeAsk questions and analyze results.

Big ideaCause and effect

Included results

Where the results came from

Classroom model results included with ConductClass

These are model results, not calibrated force measurements.

Science source: NGSS Middle School Forces and Interactions

Included

Ready for one class period.

Student instructions Included results Chart choices and calculations Teacher notes and review guide

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