Electromagnets

This project takes place near the end of our electricity unit.  For this projects students are asked what variables might affect the strength of a classroom, nail-core, electromagnet.  After gathering a list of approximately 10 variables, the students are again asked to choose 3 of the variables for testing, much like in the trebuchet lab.  Again, like the trebuchet lab, the students are then asked to state their hypotheses as to how their variable will affect the strength of the magnet (measured by the number of brass fasteners the magnet can lift), gather data, analyze/graph their data, and state their conclusions.  The graded piece for this project is the lab report, but again, their is a competition for pizza as well with lunch going to the group with the strongest magnet.

This is a picture of the 2nd trimester electromagnet competition, the current record holders with 152 fasteners.