Testing Magnet Strength Through Team Relay Competition
Grade 4 · Science · 45 minutes
Objective
Students will evaluate and compare the magnetic strength of different materials through systematic testing and observation.
Materials
- Various magnets of different sizes
- Paper clips
- Small metal objects like washers and screws
- Plastic objects
- Recording sheets
- Stopwatch
Hook
Teams will compete in a magnetic scavenger hunt around the classroom to find and collect as many magnetic objects as possible in two minutes. Each team counts their magnetic discoveries to see who found the most.
Main Activity
Teams rotate through four testing stations in a relay format, spending eight minutes at each station. At Station 1, teams test how many paper clips different magnets can pick up and record results. Station 2 challenges teams to measure magnetic attraction distance by slowly moving magnets toward metal objects until they stick. Station 3 has teams sort mixed materials into magnetic and non-magnetic categories for points. Station 4 requires teams to stack washers on magnets to test holding power. Teams earn points for accurate predictions, careful measurements, and complete data recording.
Discussion Questions
- Which magnet was strongest and what evidence supports your conclusion?
- Why do you think some materials were attracted to magnets while others were not?
- How could magnetic strength testing be useful in real life situations?
- What patterns did you notice when comparing different magnet sizes and shapes?
- How did working as a team help you collect better data during the experiments?
Exit Ticket
Write one sentence describing the strongest magnet your team tested and one sentence explaining how you determined it was the strongest.
Differentiation
Support: Provide recording sheets with pictures and simple checkboxes rather than written responses, and pair struggling students with strong readers during station rotations.
Extension: Challenge advanced learners to calculate ratios comparing magnetic strength between different magnets and design their own additional test to measure magnetic properties.
