Einstein's Big Idea

Student Handout

Station 1-3 Instructions

Station 1

1. Rub a plastic spoon with a piece of wool, some fur, or your hair. Place the spoon next to a small piece of paper. Can you make the piece of paper stand on edge and move back and forth? Try to pick up several pieces of paper at the same time by touching the spoon to one edge of each.

2. Recharge the spoon by rubbing it again. Have a team member try to drop a small bit of plastic foam into the spoon from different heights above it.

3. Record your observations.

Station 2

1. Make sure the magnet is centered under the box. Sprinkle some iron filings on the center of the box. Tap on the edge of the box to distribute the filings evenly.

2. Draw a diagram of what you see.

3. Return the filings to their container.

Station 3

1. Pick up the loose nail and use it to try to pick up some of the paper clips. What happens?

2. Connect the wires to the battery. You have created an electromagnet. How many paper clips can you pick up with your electromagnet (nail)?

3. Record your data.

4. Carefully touch the head of the nail after the circuit has been connected for 30 seconds. What do you feel?

5. Disconnect the circuit and record your observations.