Name:_____________

ACTIVITY 1: Magnetic Field

Question: Where is the force of a magnet the strongest?

Materials
 Paper
 Two different shaped of magnets
 compass
 Ruler

Procedure:
1. Step away from your magnet and all metal objects in the room.
Hold the compass level in your hand. Face the direction indicated by
the compass. Record the direction you are facing in the Data and
Observations section below.

2. Move to two other locations. Face the direction Indicated by the compass. Record the direction
you are facing.

3. Bring the compass near the magnet. Record your observations.

4. On a piece of paper, draw a circle with a diameter 2 cm longer than your bar magnet. Place the bar
magnet in the center of your circle. Label the circle with the magnet's north and south poles.

5. With the bar magnet at the center of the circle, place the compass on the paper just outside the
circle. Draw an arrow on the circle pointing in the same direction as the north end of the compass.

6. Repeat step 6 in at least eight more positions around the circle.

7. Record which magnetic pole the north end of the compass needle points to.

8. Follow your teacher's instructions for proper cleanup.

Data and Observations:

Type of magnet:________________
 Name:_____________

Type of magnet:________________

Analyze and Conclude:

1. Explain the purpose of the procedure.

2. Why do you think the compass needle points in the direction that it does when not around a
magnet?

3. Model the magnetic forces around a bar magnet. Use your observations of the compass needle to
help build your model.