3.6(A): Measure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including…
Measure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including temperature, mass, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float. The unit measures how far a magnet's pull reaches.
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science outcome 3.6(A) (Matter and energy) for Grade 3 says: “Measure, test, and record physical properties of matter, including temperature, mass, magnetism, and the ability to sink or float. The unit measures how far a magnet's pull reaches.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science.
Pushes, Pulls and Magnets Grade 3
Why a rolling ball always stops, whether a magnet can pull through a table, and how far a paper clip will jump. Three lessons on the pushes and pulls that start, stop and steer things.
- Why does a ball stop rolling? 45–60 min
Teams roll the same ball down the same ramp onto a hard floor, a carpet and a towel, and measure how far it goes each time. They find out that a rolling ball doesn't just run out of go: something rubs against it and slows it down.
- Can a magnet work through a table? 45–60 min
Teams test whether a magnet can pull a paper clip through paper, foil, plastic, cloth and wood, then count how many cards it can pull through before it lets go. They find out that most materials don't block a magnet at all: distance is what weakens the pull.
- How far will a paper clip jump? 45–60 min
Teams slide a magnet slowly toward a paper clip along a ruler and measure the gap at the moment the clip jumps. They repeat it, use the pattern to predict what two and three magnets will do, and then design a magnet gadget that works without touching.
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