Physics · Year 12

Active learning ideas

Applications of Electromagnetism

Electromagnetism is all around us, and active learning helps students grasp its real-world significance. Engaging in hands-on projects and detailed case studies moves students beyond abstract theory to tangible understanding, fostering deeper connections to the science.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9SPU08
• AC9SPU10

• 45–90 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Project-Based Learning
• 90 min · Small Groups

Electromagnetism Application Showcase

Students research a specific application of electromagnetism (e.g., MRI, Maglev trains, induction cooktops). They create a short presentation or poster explaining the underlying physics principles and societal impact. This encourages independent inquiry and peer teaching.

Evaluate the impact of electromagnetic technologies on modern society.

Facilitation Tip

For the Electromagnetism Application Showcase, guide students during their research phase to ensure they are focusing on the core electromagnetic principles at play, not just the end product.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Project-Based Learning
• 60 min · Pairs

Build a Simple Electric Motor

Using basic materials like wire, magnets, and a battery, students construct a simple DC motor. This hands-on activity demonstrates the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy through electromagnetic principles.

Design a solution to a practical problem using principles of electromagnetism.

Facilitation Tip

During the Build a Simple Electric Motor activity, circulate to help students troubleshoot common issues with wire connections or magnet placement, reinforcing the relationship between current and magnetic fields.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Project-Based Learning
• 45 min · Small Groups

Electromagnetic Induction Demonstration

Students use a coil of wire, a magnet, and a galvanometer to observe induced currents. They experiment with changing the speed of the magnet and the number of coil turns to understand Faraday's Law.

Critique the ethical implications of certain electromagnetic technologies.

Facilitation Tip

In the Electromagnetic Induction Demonstration, prompt students during their experimental phase to articulate their hypotheses about what will happen when the magnet moves relative to the coil, connecting their observations to Faraday's Law.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

This topic thrives when teachers facilitate discovery rather than simply delivering information. Employing Project-Based Learning allows students to take ownership of their learning by investigating real-world applications, while Case Study Analysis encourages critical thinking about the societal impact of these technologies.

Students will be able to identify and explain at least three distinct applications of electromagnetism, articulating the underlying scientific principles. They will demonstrate an understanding of how these applications impact society, supported by evidence from their research and activities.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Build a Simple Electric Motor activity, students might think that electricity and magnetism are separate forces.

  Redirect students to observe how the electric current flowing through the wire creates a magnetic field that interacts with the permanent magnet, causing rotation, thus demonstrating their interdependence.

• During the Electromagnetism Application Showcase, students may assume all electromagnetic technologies are purely beneficial.

  Prompt students to research and present potential downsides or ethical considerations associated with their chosen application, such as the energy consumption of large-scale electromagnets or the privacy concerns related to electromagnetic surveillance.

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Methods used in this brief

• Project-Based Learning