Investigate invisible forces. Young engineers design a setup that changes the direction of a steel ball using a magnetic force. The purpose of the setup is to model the gravitational pull of spacecraft by planetary bodies.

Concepts

magnetism, engineering design, magnetic attraction, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Have a contest to see which group's setup is most accurate

Classroom Considerations

• Activity uses three-inch-long "cow" or "snake-egg" magnets; be sure these are available or find an appropriate substitute
• Learners should have prior knowledge of magnetism from the previous lesson
• The last lesson in the five-part series

Pros

• All lesson materials are professional-looking
• Includes some optional extended activities

Cons

• Activity could cause some confusion, as the NASA connection refers to an application of gravitational attraction rather than magnetic attraction