Rocks and Minerals
Lesson 11
Testing the Mineral with a Magnet
Students explore minerals to learn more about their properties by performing the magnet test and recording their results.
3. Lesson set up and Management
EALR 1.1 Understand how properties are used to identify, describe, and categorize substances, materials and objects and how characteristics are used to categorize living things.
GLE 2.1.1 Understand how to ask questions about objects, organisms and events in the environment.
(345) Identify the question being answered in an investigation.
GLE 2.1.2 Understand how to plan and conduct simple investigations following all safety rules.
(345) Follow all safety rules during investigations.
(345) Identify and use simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.
GLE 2.1.5 Understand how to report investigations and explanations of objects, events, systems and processes.
(345) Report observations or data of simple investigations without making inferences.
Easily included:
GLE 2.2.1 Understand that all scientific observations are reported accurately and honestly even when the observations contradict expectations.
(345) Explain why scientific observations are recorded accurately and honestly.
(345) Explain why scientific records of observation are not changed even when the records do not match initial expectations.
- Students will test the mineral samples with a magnet and record their conclusive "yes" or "no" results.
A close up look at magnetic attraction
to a mineral sample.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
- Remind students to keep magnets away from computer screens or other magnetic sensitive items.
Student Management:
- Assign one partner to be the materials manager and have that student pick up the materials from the materials center after you model how to do it.
- Lessons 11 and 12 can easily be combined into one block of science time.
Writing Support:
- Students will record their observations on their Mineral Profile sheets.
- Students record three important pieces of information about lodestone in their science notebook.
- Students complete the Scientific Investigation Template for this lesson.
Reading Support:
- There is information to read on page 42-43 of the student activity book, "Lodestones Lead the Way." Have students read and discuss the article.
- If you haven’t begun using the recommended web sites by this point in the unit please have your kids take a look. There is a lot to read and do!
Math Support:
- This might be a great chance to discuss probability related to the testing since it is only a yes or no test.