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First , we'll show you the supplies again! If you want to try it at home, be sure to get an adult to help you.
A size D battery
Copper wire, with the ends exposed
One or more large nails
Paper clips
Now we're going to build our magnet.
Take the wire and a large nail.
Wrap the wire around the nail.
How many loops are around this nail?
Record your observation in your science journal.
Now we'll attach the wires to the battery.
WATCH OUT! The battery will get very hot! Do NOT do this without an adult!
Tape the wire to one end of the battery.
Now, do the same on the other end.
Now we have an "Electromagnet"
We're going to try lifting 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 paper clips.
How many paper clips will it lift? Write your prediction in your science journal.
Will it lift one paper clip?
Yes! It lifts one paper clip!
Will it lift two paper clip?
Yes! It lifts two paper clips!
Will it lift three paper clips?
What do you think? We'll have you guess based upon what happens with four paper clips...
Will it lift four paper clips?
Yes! It lifts four paper clips!
If it lifted four paper clips, do you think it was able to lift three? Why or why not?
Will it lift five paper clips?!
Yes! It lifts five paper clips!
Could it lift more paper clips? Why or why not?
What will happen if we have fewer coils of wire?
Count the number of loops on this nail. Write your observation in your science journal.
How many paper clips will this electromagnet be able to pick up? Write your prediction in your science journal.
Now, explain your prediction. What makes you think that?
Will it pick up one paper clip?
Yes! It picks up one paper clip!
Will it pick up two paper clips?
Yes! It picks up two!
Will it pick up three paper clips?
Yes! It picks up three paper clips!
Will it pick up four paper clips?
Uh-oh. It dropped the paper clips! Let's try again!
It dropped the four paper clips again!
It could only pick up 3 paper clips. Was this more or less than your prediction? What do you think it could only pick up three paper clips?
Let's try fewer coils. We'll unwrap some wire.
Count the number of loops on this nail. Write your observation in your science journal.
How many paper clips will this electromagnet be able to lift? Write down your prediction in your science journal.
Now, explain your prediction. What makes you think that?
Will it lift one paper clip?
Yes! It lifts one paper clip!
Will it lift two paper clips?
Yes! It lifts two paper clips!
Will it lift three paper clips?
No, it dropped them! Let's try again!
It dropped them again! The paper clips are too heavy.
This electromagnet could only lift two paper clips. Why do you think that is? Why was this magnet weaker?
We tested the number of loops around a nail. What else could we test to see how strong or weak the magnet would be?
The size of the nail?
The size and number of batteries?
Screws versus nails?
The thickness of a screw?
In your science journal, write down two questions that you would like to test. Try to think of brand-new ideas that weren't in these pictures.
What do you think will happen if we test each of your questions? Why do you think that will happen? Write down your answers in your science journal.