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Magnetic Force Fields: Attractive Breakfast Cereal
Submitted by: Rob S.
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Grades 6–8
Time Requirements:
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity Time: 15–40 minutes (depending on the variations and depth desired.
See "Teaching Notes" section for variations).
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
Magnetic field lines, magnetism, magnetic attraction, electrons, and iron.
National Science Standards Alignment
MS-PS2-5: Force Fields. Conduct an investigation and evaluate the experimental design to provide evidence that fields exist
between objects exerting forces on each other even though the objects are not in contact.
Materials:
• Iron fortified breakfast cereal
• A simple Google Search will list out high iron content cereals.
• "Flakes" seem to work best as they act as a "sailing boat," floating across the water.
• General Mills' Total brand is a smart choice yet others will certainly work!
• Plastic cups
• Neodymium magnets (one per group)
• Water
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Safety
• This lab is completely safe for all middle school students
• Encourage students not to eat the cereal.
• Variations of this lab as listed in the "Teaching Notes" section may involve water.
• As always, ensure all electrical sources are away from students if utilizing water.
• Paper towels or rags for accidental spills are helpful.
!
