Magnet Engineering Design Challenge
Standards and Background
Third Grade Standards
3-PS2-4. Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets. (Clarification statement: Examples could include constructing a latch to keep a door shut and creating a device to keep two moving objects from touching each other.)
Science and Engineering Practices: Defining Problems
• Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS2.B: Types of Interactions
• Electric, and magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require that the object be in contact. The sizes of the forces in each situation depend on the properties of the objects and their distances apart and for forces between two magnets, on their orientation relative to each other.
Project Background
The students used the Engineering Design Process to solve a problem in the classroom or in their bedroom using magnets. They could use magnets to connect something together, or to keep two things apart. The children were asked to draw their idea and complete the following:
1. Describe the problem or need.
2. What problem does your product solve?
3. Who can use your product?
4. How does your product work?
Bonus Activity
Some students decided to create a model of their idea, create a working prototype, or even recorded a demonstration of their idea in action. Check out our aspiring engineers and their ideas. Is anybody else thinking Shark Tank?
3-PS2-4. Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets. (Clarification statement: Examples could include constructing a latch to keep a door shut and creating a device to keep two moving objects from touching each other.)
Science and Engineering Practices: Defining Problems
• Define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS2.B: Types of Interactions
• Electric, and magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require that the object be in contact. The sizes of the forces in each situation depend on the properties of the objects and their distances apart and for forces between two magnets, on their orientation relative to each other.
Project Background
The students used the Engineering Design Process to solve a problem in the classroom or in their bedroom using magnets. They could use magnets to connect something together, or to keep two things apart. The children were asked to draw their idea and complete the following:
1. Describe the problem or need.
2. What problem does your product solve?
3. Who can use your product?
4. How does your product work?
Bonus Activity
Some students decided to create a model of their idea, create a working prototype, or even recorded a demonstration of their idea in action. Check out our aspiring engineers and their ideas. Is anybody else thinking Shark Tank?