Electromagnet Lab

This is a short lab meant for one 80 minute block period. Students follow the Engineer Design Process as they work in groups to create an electromagnet. Background information (notes and hands on experiences with magnets/electricity) in highly encouraged before beginning this lab. I try to allow the students to explore the classroom with magnets and test a Van Der Graaf Generator. Students take notes prior to the lab, but it is to familiarize them with the terminology.