Science · Grade 3

Active learning ideas

Exploring Magnetic Poles

Active learning helps students connect abstract concepts like magnetic fields to tangible experiences, which is essential for Grade 3 learners. Through hands-on exploration, students build mental models of forces they cannot see, making the invisible visible and memorable.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• 3-PS2-3

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Stations Rotation
• 50 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Magnetic Explorers

Set up stations where students test which classroom objects are magnetic, use iron filings to see invisible magnetic fields, and try to move a paperclip through a table using a magnet underneath.

Predict the interaction between two magnets based on their poles.

Facilitation Tip

During Station Rotation: Magnetic Explorers, group students heterogeneously so they can learn from peers’ discoveries.

What to look for

Provide students with two bar magnets. Ask them to draw how they would orient the magnets to make them attract and then how they would orient them to make them repel. They should label the poles in their drawings.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 20 min · Whole Class

Simulation Game: Human Magnets

Students wear 'North' or 'South' labels. They move around the room and must try to 'connect' with others; if they meet a matching pole, they must push away, but if they meet an opposite pole, they link arms.

Explain why some materials are attracted to magnets and others are not.

Facilitation Tip

For Simulation: Human Magnets, clearly define roles and boundaries to keep the activity safe and focused.

What to look for

Hold up a collection of objects (e.g., paperclip, plastic toy, coin, wooden block, iron nail). Ask students to predict which objects will be attracted to a magnet and then test their predictions. Record results in a simple T-chart: Magnetic / Not Magnetic.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Inquiry Circle
• 30 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Floating Paperclip

Groups are challenged to make a paperclip 'hover' in the air using a magnet and string. They must experiment with the distance between the magnet and the clip to find the 'sweet spot' of the magnetic field.

Design an experiment to test the strength of different magnets.

Facilitation Tip

During Collaborative Investigation: The Floating Paperclip, ensure students record their observations in a shared class chart to build collective understanding.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'Imagine you have three magnets, but their poles are not labeled. How could you design a simple experiment to figure out which pole is North and which is South on each magnet?' Facilitate a class discussion on their proposed methods.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with concrete examples and gradually introduce abstract ideas. Use familiar contexts, like refrigerator magnets, to build prior knowledge. Avoid over-explaining; let students test their own ideas first. Research shows that students learn force concepts best through iterative testing and discussion rather than direct instruction alone.

Successful learning looks like students confidently predicting magnetic interactions, testing their ideas with materials, and explaining their observations using terms like 'attract' and 'repel.' Students should also recognize that magnets work through some materials and only certain metals are magnetic.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Station Rotation: Magnetic Explorers, watch for students assuming all metals are magnetic. Ask them to sort a tray of copper pennies, aluminum foil, and steel nails to test their ideas.

  While sorting, direct students to observe that only the steel nail is attracted to the magnet. Use this moment to introduce the metals iron, nickel, and cobalt as the only naturally magnetic elements.

• During Station Rotation: Magnetic Explorers, watch for students thinking magnets only work through air. Provide a bin of water, paper, and plastic to test with their magnets.

  Have students test each barrier by placing a magnet on one side and a paperclip on the other. Guide them to notice that the paperclip still moves, proving magnetic forces pass through non-magnetic materials.

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Methods used in this brief

• Stations Rotation
• Simulation Game
• Inquiry Circle