Magnetic Train Engineering Design Challenge

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

3

Overview

Students use the engineering design process to create a magnetic train in this lesson plan created by teacher Heather Rizzo.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 3

SC15.3.4

Apply scientific ideas about magnets to solve a problem through an engineering design project (e.g., constructing a latch to keep a door shut, creating a device to keep two moving objects from touching each other such as a maglev system).*

UP:SC15.3.4

Vocabulary

  • Magnet
  • Properties
  • Engineering Design Process (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve)
  • Attract
  • Repel
  • Forces

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Magnetic forces between a pair of objects do not require that the objects be in contact with each other.
  • The sizes of the forces in a magnetic situation depend on the properties of the objects, the distances apart, and their orientation relative to each other.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Define a problem that can be solved with magnets.
  • Apply scientific ideas about magnets.
  • Solve a problem with scientific ideas about magnets through an engineering design project.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Scientific discoveries about the natural world, such as magnets, can often lead to new and improved technologies, which are developed through the engineering design process.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom
ALSDE LOGO