3-PS2-4
The standard
Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to notice a problem, describe the goal, and name limits such as materials, size, or strength. Then they connect the problem to magnet ideas, like attraction, repulsion, distance, and which materials magnets affect.
Mastery looks like a clear problem statement and a simple plan that uses magnets for a reason. Students can explain why their magnet placement should work. Common stuck points are picking a solution before defining the problem, thinking magnets attract all materials, and forgetting that magnet strength changes with distance.
Ways to teach it
- Give pairs magnets, paper clips, cardboard, tape, and craft sticks to build a cabinet latch that holds a flap closed.
- Ask students to write: What problem are you solving, and how will attraction or repulsion help your design work?
- Show four objects and ask students to circle which ones a magnet will attract, then explain one choice.
- Have students inspect a refrigerator door seal or magnetic name tag and sketch how magnets solve a simple problem.
Plan a lesson for 3-PS2-4
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Related standards
- MS-PS2-3
Ask questions about data to determine the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
- 3-PS2-3
Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.
- 3-5-ETS1-1
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
- HS-PS3-5
Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects and the changes in energy of the...