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
INQD: Simple instruments, such as magnifiers, thermometers, and rulers provide more information than scientists can obtain using only their unaided senses.
PS2A: Objects have properties, including size, weight, hardness, color, shape, texture, and magnetism. Unknown substances can sometimes be identified by their properties.
PS2B: An object may be made from different materials. These materials give the object certain properties.
- 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.