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Levitation Engineers: Exploring Forces Lesson Overview



Students will experiment with magnets to identify magnetic properties and the differences between contact and non-contact forces.

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Duration
75 - 100 min
Setting
Classroom
Grouping
2-3 groups
PTI Inquiry
1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.7, 5.2, 5.3, 5.7, 5.8, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3
Lesson Components Time Inquiry Skills Tech. Used Engage Level Brief Description
Engage 5-10 min 1.3 Computer/YouTube 2 Watch magnetic levitation clip from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4lW7xydn H8 and establish prior knowledge about forces
Explore 20 min 2.1, 3.1, 3.7, 5.2, 5.3 Countdown Timer 2 Students will use magnets to explore what is or is not magnetic and how magnetic force works
Explain 15-20 min 7.1, 7.2 none 2 Students will record observations, describe findings, and try to explain phenomena.
Expand 30-40 min 5.7, 5.8 none 3 Students will try to create their own levitation device. Students will collaborate and share with other groups to gather feedback and revise their levitation design.
Evaluate 5-10 min 7.3 none 2 Student activity will be collected and scored. Student will complete a 5 question exit ticket

Level of Student Engagement
1     Low     Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction
2     Medium     Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance
3     High     Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered

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