South Dakota Science 3-PS2-3

Science3rd GradePhysical Science

The Standard

Ask questions about cause-and-effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other. (SEP: 1; DCI: PS2.B; CCC: Cause/Effect)

South Dakota Science Standards (2024) · Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do: Students observe a magnet or a rubbed balloon move an object before touching it. They ask questions about what caused the movement and what might happen if the gap between the objects changes.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can name the two objects and describe how one moved before they touched. They can ask a question they could test, such as, 'Will the paper clip still move if I add another sheet between it and the magnet?'
Common Misconceptions: Some students think a magnet must touch an object to move it. Others think every metal sticks to magnets or that magnets can only pull, not push.
How to Assess It: Move a paper clip across a plastic tray with a magnet underneath. Ask students to write one question about how changing the gap might affect the paper clip.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

Slide a magnet beneath a plastic tray to move a paper clip on top, then add index cards beneath the tray and record questions.
Rub a balloon on a sweater and hold it near tissue bits, then ask, 'What makes the bits move before they touch the balloon?'
Hold two magnets so they push apart without touching, then have partners swap questions about what happens when the gap changes.
Test whether a fridge magnet holds one or three sheets of paper against a refrigerator door, then ask what changed.

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