NEW 2015 RESOURCES
Magnetism Theme Page
Below are the CLN "Theme Pages" which support the study of electricity and magnetism.
CLN's theme pages are collections of useful Internet educational resources within
a narrow curricular topic and contain links to two types of information. Students
and teachers will find curricular resources (information, content...) to help
them learn about this topic. In addition, there are links to instructional materials
(lesson plans) which will help teachers provide instruction in this theme.
Electricity (Concepts) Theme Page
Electronics (Circuitry) Theme Page
Lightning Theme Page
General Magnetism Resources
Here are a number of links to other Internet resources which
contain information and/or other links related to Magnetism. Please read our
Lesson Plans: Physical Sciences
- The above link is to AskEric's Physical Science page if you wish to browse/search
their site yourself. Or, use the links below to go directly to two lesson
plans specifically about magnetism.
Fields and Bermuda Triangles High school students can use this activity
to learn how to map a magnetic field and to find how magnetic fields can
combine to form a complex resultant field.
An introduction to magnets for primary students.
- More than a dozen experiments on electricity and magnetism designed for
intermediate students. There are about five experiments on magnetism.
- The basic concepts of electricity and magnetism are illustrated through
the use of animation. (Shockwave required) Students are introduced to static
charge, moving charge, voltage, resistance, and current. Magnetism and how
it relates to electricity is also presented.
of Electromagnetic Personalities
- Biographical vignettes of scientists who made significant contributions
to the study of electromagnetism.
An Electromagnet Works
- An explanation about the concepts underlying electromagnetism created for
kids and complete with diagrams. A few experiments are also suggested.
A Physics Viewpoint
- MagLev (magnetic levitation) technology is the concept underlying research
into the use of magnets to propel trains. This site presents the basic principles
of the concepts which should be understandable by high school students.
- The Argonne Community of Teachers Network offers a downloadable Teacher's
Handbook with student activities on magnetism and electromagnetism. The site
also has links to other MagLev web sites.
- Here's a lesson on magnetism complete with a mini quiz, homework exercises,
and a test.
Electricity and Health Reform
- An overview of the use of electricity and magnetism in the treatment of
- All sorts of experiments with magnets from the very basic to magnets interacting
with other magnets, magnets and conductors, and magnetic levitation.
Museum of Science and Technology
- This Canadian museum is not easily browsed; however, a search of the site
using the keyword "magnet" turned up a number of hits that may be useful to
the classroom teacher. Use the button above to search the site yourself for
this or similar terms. Below are direct links to three of the best resources.
Science Activity Manual
- This Manual contains hands-on Chemistry & Physics activities that can be
downloaded in either MAC (MS WORD) or Windows (Wordperfect) versions. The
manual is neither a lab manual nor a series of lesson plans. Rather, it provides
the teacher with background information and a collection of student-centered
activities which s/he can adapt to local conditions. There are two documents
dealing with magnetism and electromagnetism.
- Project PHYSLab has a collection of high school physics labs (including
some on Magnetism) developed by participants in an annual, three week workshop.
This link is to the home page of the project. From there, enter "Labs Available
Online" to find the labs. Since each of these is done by a different teacher,
the quality of the lab and the detail associated with it will vary.
Toys You Can Make With Your Kids
- The author of this online book describes a variety of science toys that
can be constructed and then goes on to explain the concepts behind the toys.
Two chapters in the book are dedicated to magnetism and electromagnetism.
Teachers could use these ideas for demonstrations and/or student activities.
Program Physics Index
- Teachers participating in the SMILE (Science and Mathematics Initiative
for Learning Enhancement) summer session programs each create a single concept
lesson plan. This database has over 30 lesson plans in their section on Electricity
and Magnetism. Caution: Since there is a wide number of authors who have contributed
to the database, the detail and quality of the lesson plans will vary.
- "Snacks" from the Exploratorium are miniature science exhibit that teachers
can make using common, inexpensive, easily available materials. This page
leads to about a dozen activities/experiments to demonstrate magnetism concepts.
Note: The sites listed above will serve as a source of curricular content in Magnetism. For other resources in Science (e.g., curricular content in Earth Science, General Science, Life Science, or Physical Science), or for lesson plans and theme pages, click the "previous screen" button below. Or, click here if you wish to return directly to the CLN menu which will give you access to educational resources in all of our subjects.