Task 8

Materials and tools for a working group:

4 same magnets, gauge (eg ruler), metal paper clip

The task is to investigate whether it is possible to reduce or increase the distance from which a magnet attracts a particular object by attaching the same magnet to the magnet. Pupils solve a research question: If I attract aobject with two or more magnets attracted to one another, does it attract the object from the same distance as if we were only attracted by one magnet?

Since overlapping the magnetic fields of the magnets can cause a partial increase in the magnetic field intensity, the pupils will observe that the object can be drawn from a greater distance if it is attracted by two magnets. However, the distance does not increase proportionally to the number of magnets added, since the magnetic field of the last magnet extends only a certain distance and thus does not even affect the attracted object itself.

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. As in the previous task, it is also necessary to accept the fact that if the conclusion is formulated in terms of the data obtained, it is in order, even though it may not be in accordance with the currently accepted scientific idea of the phenomenon. At the same time, the teacher should tend to discuss with children the possible explanations of what they have observed and found.