Magnetic Migration

Overview

Through a series of hands-on activities, students will work together to investigate the claim: Animals use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate. Students will collect evidence to support or refute this claim by breaking the claim statement into several key elements. First, students will rotate through stations that build their understanding of magnetic forces and properties. Next, they will apply this new understanding as they explore Earth’s magnetic field by building a compass and considering how magnetic fields extend through space. Students will then divide into research teams and focus on if/how magnetism affects the migration of birds, sea turtles and sharks. Each research team will focus on a specific animal and will be responsible for sharing their findings with the class. Finally, students will consider all of the data they have collected in order to revisit the original claim and form a conclusion backed by evidence. As an extension, students will create a model of a device that uses magnetoreception for wildlife conservation. This lesson includes a companion, ready-made PowerPoint presentation to be used in the classroom.

21st CENTURY SKILLS
Collaboration
Communication
Critical Thinking

DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Defining the Problem
Designing Solutions
Communicating Results