Science: Kindergarten

Lesson Topic: Properties of Magnetism 

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will be able to test their knowledge about magnetic items by first filling out the prediction sheet of what items they believe are magnetic or not. Then playing the Magnetic or Not game to reveal the correct answers.

2. Students will gain knowledge about the key components of magnets from reading the online book called Sticky Stuff. They will show the knowledge they learned by completing the Sticky Stuff worksheet with 80% accuracy.

3. Students will connect information about the properties of magnets found in the story Sticky Stuff to the correct answers from Magnetic or Not game to gain an understanding of why those items are magnetic and why they are not.

Instructional Technique: Students will break into pairs sharing one computer and follow the guide for further instructions about the computer activity.

Instructional Materials: Print out guide with instructions, website (Science for Us) https://www.science4us.com/elementary-physical-science/force-and-motion/magnets/, a prediction worksheet, recorded answers worksheet, and Sticky Stuff worksheet.

Theoretical Perspective: The lesson above will provide students with the understanding of magnets. This information is important because magnets are used in everyday life such as keeping the refrigerator closed, electric motors, and credit cards. Children need to understand properties of magnets to know how they work in everyday life.

Procedure: See more in depth details in print out guide

Introductory Activity: Create a KWL chart to address the student’s previous knowledge and what they would like to know about magnets.

Steps:

1. Students will receive a prediction worksheet and they will fill out if they think the metal items listed are magnetic or not.

2. Students will break into pairs and be given one computer.

3. Students will be given a check list to instruct them on how to navigate the website.

4. Students will go to the classroom website and click on the Science for Us link.

5. Students will then click on the game Magnetic or Not and play it. The game consists of 8 metal items that the student will place in front of a magnet to see if it is magnetic or not. If the metal item is magnetic they put it in the magnetic bin and if the metal item is not magnetic they put it in the non-magnetic bin.

6. Students will record their answers on a worksheet while playing the game Magnetic or Not.

7. Once they are finished they will read the story Sticky Stuff and fill in a worksheet.

8. The teacher will then collect the finished worksheet and students will continue to play Magnetic or Not until everyone is done.

Closure: Once students are finished with the worksheet there will be a group discussion on their findings followed by a homework assignment to show their knowledge in a real life setting.

Adaptations: Pre select student pairs (one advanced student and one developing student), provide different variations of the Sticky Stuff worksheet, and a print out of story for students who work better with a physical copy (highlighting, notes, etc.).

Homework: Students will take home a magnet then find 10 items at home that are magnetic and 5 items that are not magnetic. Then they will explain to the class the next day why they think these items are magnetic or not.

Evaluation:

1. Students will test their knowledge about magnetic items by doing their homework. (Find 10 magnetic items and 5 non-magnetic)

2. Students will also complete the learned section of the KWL chart by filling in the properties magnetic items have according to the story they read.

3. Students will use the knowledge they gained from the story Sticky Stuff to explain to the class why their homework items are magnetic or not.

Concerns/Questions:

1. How will a teacher monitor all student activity on the computers to make sure they are always on task?

2. Students may change their answers from wrong to right when playing the game for the first time.