Physical
Properties
Conductivity and Magnetism
EQ: Which similarities can be used to classify substances on the
basis of their conductivity and magnetic properties?
Agenda
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Bell Ringer
PowerPoint with Cornell Notes
Gizmo Snippet
Brain Pop: Magnetism with Quiz
Investigation Activities
Independent Practice
Physical Properties
A physical property is an characteristic of matter that can be observed or
measured without changing it.
Examples:
Physical Properties include:
- Freezing Point
- Boiling Point
- Density
- Magnetism
- Conductivity
Physical properties such as those
listed here are independent of sample
size.
This means that no matter how big or
small a piece of this matter is, this
physical property does not change.
For example: a cup of water’s density
of 1.0g/mL and a gallon of water’s
density is 1.0g/mL.
What are magnets?
Magnetism
•Magnets are objects that produce an area of magnetic force called a magnetic field.
•Magnetic fields by themselves are invisible to the human eye.
•Iron filings can be used to show magnetic fields created by magnets (such as in the
picture to the right).
•Magnetism can attract magnetic objects or push them away.
What kinds of objects do magnets attract?
Magnetism
•Magnets only attract certain types of metals, other materials
such as glass, plastic and wood aren't attracted.
•Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are the only metals
attracted to magnets.
•Most metals however are not attracted to magnets, these
include copper, silver, gold, magnesium, platinum, aluminum
and more.
Myth buster: What is a common misconception about magnets?
Elements
with
Magnetic
Properties
Not all metals have magnetic properties…
Magnetism Gizmo Snippet
Have students complete gizmo left side sheet and glue into their interactive
notebooks. The Gizmo has been modified and should take about 10 minutes to
review.
Magnetism
Magnetism Activity
Drop nuts, bolts and paper clips into the water. Make a fishing pole: tie a
string to a stick. Attach a small (donut hole) magnet to the end of the
string. Let your student go fishing. Have them classify the objects into
groups based on their characteristics then write a reflective summary about
the similarities of the objects used in this quick activity.
Left Side Activity
Conductivity
If you had to choose whether to stir a pot of boiling water with a
wooden spoon or metal spoon, which one would you pick? Why?
What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
Conductivity
Definition: The rate at which heat and electricity passes through a
material. The most common conductors are metals. Materials that
do not pass electricity and heat are called insulators.
ELECTRICITY
Metals are good conductors…
Meh…kind of
Yes!
Nope
Conductivity
Left Side Activity
Part 1: Electrical Conductivity
In this activity, you will build a simple electric device called a conductivity
tester. You will use it to test whether a range of materials are electrical
conductors or insulators.
Part 2: Thermal Conductivity
Materials needed:
Ice (Cubed)
Density Blocks: Copper, Wood, Steel, Plastic, Aluminum
10 Beakers
5 Hot Plates
Set up: Place a density cube in 5 separate beakers. Place a cube of ice in the
other 5 beakers. Place the density cube beakers on hot plates set at medium for
two minutes. After two minutes, pour the density cube into the beaker with ice
and observe how long it takes the ice to melt.
Independent Practice