• Field Trip

    More than 250 interactive science, technology, energy and health exhibits await students of all ages.  We’re experts at making sure that bringing your group to the Museum is smooth sailing all the way. Discounted admission for groups of 20 or more!

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  • ScienceWorks

    Your students become scientists during our 50-minute ScienceWorks Labs that provide hands-on experience with a variety of topics identified in the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.  Each lab includes pre-visit and post-visit classroom activities.  Labs are available year-round for preschool to middle school students.

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  • Outreach

    It's Science on Wheels: We bring the Museum to you!  We offer fun, inquiry-based programs for the students in your classroom, library, festival or youth center! All programs address objectives outlined in the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and include pre- and post-visit activities.

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  • Series Outreach

    We bring science activities, writing exercises, and academic confidence to your students. Our programs are proven to correlate with a rise in Science MEAP scores among participating students. Each program is a series of workshops led by a highly qualified teacher and aligns with MI Grade Level Content Expectations.  All materials are provided.

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  • Distance Learning

    Our educators use videoconferencing to engage your students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Program kits sent to classroom teachers include nearly everything you need for experiments. Kits are yours to keep! All programs address National Science Education Standards and align with Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.

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  • Professional Development

    Join us for fast-paced, hands-on teacher workshops that provide elementary and middle school educators with new hands-on tools for incorporating interactive science and math activities into your classroom.  Join us for professional development opportunities both at the museum and at your school.

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  • Summer of Science

     

    Whether you’re with a group or your family, explore over 250 exhibits, participate in hands-on activities and experience a unique Summer ScienceWorks Lab. Visit the Museum and fill your summer with science!

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  • Summer Camp

    Explore week-long science and math activities with Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum staff and community collaborators.  Elementary and middle school children can investigate a different theme each week through hands-on and engaging fun.

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  • Birthday Parties

    What do you get when you mix one part science, one part fun, and one part celebration? A birthday party at the Museum! Experience a birthday full of discovery by exploring more than 250 exhibits and experimenting with a hands-on activity. Celebrate in a unique and interactive environment to make your special day really special!

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WORKSHOP Magnetism

Outreach Workshop: Magnetism

Use magnets to perform tasks and learn basic magnet vocabulary. Explore how magnets work and how we use them in our daily lives.

Price

$300 - Includes two 50-minute workshops.  Additional workshops $125 each.

Register for an Outreach Workshop today!

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, Science v.1.09

  • Identify materials that are attracted by magnets. (P.PM.01.31)
  • Observe that like poles of a magnet repel and unlike poles of a magnet attract. (P.PM.01.32)
  • Identify the force that pulls objects towards the Earth. (P.FM.03.22)
  • Demonstrate magnetic field by observing the patterns formed with iron filings using a variety of magnets. (P.PM.04.33)
  • Demonstrate that non-magnetic objects are affected by the strength of the magnet and the distance away from the magnet. (P.PM.04.34)
  • Describe the Earth as a magnet and compare the magnetic properties of the Earth to that of a natural or manufactured magnet. (E.SE.06.61)
  • Explain how a compass works using the magnetic field of the Earth, and how a compass is used for navigation on land and sea. (E.SE.06.62)

Magnetism Pre-visit Vocabulary

Aluminum: A light, silver-white, metal that is not magnetic.

Attract: A pulling force.

Copper: A reddish brown metal that is not magnetic.

Core: The center of the earth, composed of iron and nickel.

Ferromagnetic: Any metal that is attracted to magnets.

Iron: A hard, silvery-gray, magnetic metal, found in rocks and in red blood cells.

Magnet: A solid object that attracts certain metals, for example iron or steel.

Magnetic: Ability to attract certain metals.

Nickel: A hard, silvery-white magnetic metal found in rocks and meteorites.

Non-magnetic: An object that does not attract metals.

Poles: Opposite ends of a magnet.

Repel: A pushing force.

Magnetism Post-visit Activity

Post-visit activities provide your students with an opportunity to review workshop-presented concepts and introduce related subjects. Below you will find a classroom extension activity and a list of suggested resources for further exploration. We hope that you enjoyed our Outreach Hands-On Workshop and we look forward to visiting your students again!

Hands-on Activity: Make a Compass

Materials

  • Steel sewing needles (if you have a sufficiently strong magnet, you can use a small paperclip)
  • Tape
  • Bar magnets
  • Shallow plastic containers
  • Dish soap
  • Thin slices of cork (available in sheets at hardware or building supply stores)
  • Water

Procedure

  1. Rub the bar magnet across the needle at least 30 times in one direction only. Start at the hole end and rub towards the point end.
  2. Fill the container with water and place a drop of dish soap in the center.
  3. Lay the needle across the center of the cork. Attach with tape.
  4. Float the cork slice in the center of the container.
  5. Spin it very gently if necessary. When it stops, it should point north.
  6. Hold the bar magnet near the needle, but not touching. Rotate the bar magnet and see what happens to the compass.

Discussion

A compass is a tool used to find directions. It can help people figure out which way to go when they are traveling.

By rubbing the needle with the bar magnet, you made the needle a temporary magnet. By floating it in the water, you created a compass. A compass is a free-floating magnet.

Planet Earth acts like a huge weak bar magnet. It has a magnetic field around it and it has a North and South Pole. The needle of a compass always points toward magnetic north.

Suggested Resources

Books

Activities for Kids. Learning Triangle Press, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 1997.

Fowler, Allan. What Magnets Can Do. Children’s Press, Chicago, IL. 1995.

Rowe, Julian and Molly Perham. Amazing Magnets. Children’s Press, Chicago, IL. 1994.

Science Made Simple Grades 1–6. Frank Schaffer Productions, CA. 1997.

Tolman, Marvin N. Hands-On Physical Science Activities for Grades 2–8. Parker Publishing Company, Inc., NY. 1995.

Vecchione, Glen. Magnet Science. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc, NY. 1995.

Wood, Robert W. Electricity and Magnetism FUNdamentals: Funtastic Science Activities for Kids. Learning Triangle Press, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 1997.

Internet

The Exploratorium Teacher Institute — Magnetism

The Exploratorium Teacher Institute — Magnets

Canada Science and Technology Museum — Magnets

Canada Science and Technology Museum — Lesson Plan Ideas

WORKSHOP Magnetism

Outreach

Library, School

50 minutes

PreK, K-2nd, 3-5th, 6-8th

30

Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Sciences