Task 7

Materials and tools for a working group:

magnet, gauge (eg ruler), metal paper clip

The task is to investigate whether the same magnet will always attract the same object from the same distance if it is approached by its various sides. Each magnet has two poles that repel each other. In places where the magnet poles meet, the magnetic field extends to a minimum distance. It reaches the maximum distance on the sides of the poles, so pupils should get different results if the same magnet approaches the object from different sides.

The teacher first introduces and highlights the research question and then leads the pupils to realize the measurement. On the magnet, they mark 4 (or 3, if they are round magnets) with the sides and mark (draw) the side of the magnet with the object. As in previous tasks, it is important in this task to draw attention to repeated and precise measurements, so that we can rely on the data obtained to draw conclusions.

After the measurement, the teacher leads the pupils to draw conclusions in the form of an answer to the research question. It is important to leave it to the pupil to formulate the conclusion. If it is formulated in terms of acquired data, it is fine even though it may not be in accordance with the currently accepted scientific idea of the phenomenon.