Do Activity

Horton states that practice discovery and playing games are the "verbs of learning" (2010). 

Do activities therefore, put learners in action mode of the learning process.  Activity seeking information, discovering, and creating their own knowledge is the basis of a Do Acitvity.

Do-Type Activity on Prezi

 Let's Explore

In order for students to understand how magnets are used all around them, they need to understand how magnets interact with objects and other materials.

1. Set up "Science in a Shoebox" stations.  These are learning activities that can be stored and distributed in a shoebox or other similar type container.

2.  Students will have about 20 minutes to explore each station and 10 minutes to complete the data recording sheet.  This entire activity will take two days to explore and complete content in each station.

3.  Before students begin the stations, the teacher will need to read the instruction/expectations and the safety rules.   Each station has a verbal instruction sheet and a visual instruction sheet, as well as a data recording sheet.

 

Shoebox station materials and handouts:

Advance Preparation:

1. Shoebox 1: Does a Magnet's Size Determine its Strength?

A plastic bag with 100 small paperclips, a plastic bag with 50 large paperclips, a selection of magnets including: a bar, a wand, a ring, and a horseshoe magnet.

2.  Shoebox 2: What Can A Magnet Attract?

Plastic bag of items such as, but not limited to, paper clip, brass fastener, penny, nickel, aluminum foil, iron nail, marble, piece of wood, rock, lodestone, cardboard, paper, piece of cloth, eraser, and buttons: one plastic and one metal (that looks plastic). 

3.  Shoebox 3: How Do Magnets Interact?

4-5 ring magnets, an unsharpened pencil, two bar magnets, two horseshoe magnets.

4.  Shoebox 4:  A Magnet Can Move Objects

One wand magnet, a few large paperclips (or other magnetic item), large piece of sturdy cardboard with the maze glued/taped onto it.

5.  Shoebox 5:  Sort It

A plastic bag, labeled #1, with 100 small paperclips and 30 plastic counters.  A plastic bag, labeled #2, with 50 small paperclips and 25 brass fasteners.

Handouts for stations: