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Unit Title:

Magnetism and the Chinese Compass

Unit Author:

Edward Hasenohr

Grade Level:

8/9

Unit Overview:

Students begin a unit on magnetism by learning about the discovery of magnetism and the invention of the compass by the ancient people of China.

Essential Questions:

How did the Chinese invent the compass?

Culminating Task:

Students will make a floating needle compass and can explain and demonstrate how it works.

*Vital Results:*
1.15:	Students use verbal and nonverbal skills to express themselves effectively.
2.2:	Students use reasoning strategies, knowledge and common sense to solve complex problems related to all fields of knowledge.
2.10:	Students generate several ideas, using a variety of approaches.
3.10:	Students perform effectively on teams that set and achieve goals, conduct investigations, solve problems, and create solutions (e.g., by using consensus-building and cooperation to work toward group decisions).
3.11:	Students interact respectfully to other groups and their opinions, including those with whom they have differences.

Fields of Knowledge:
7.1:	Students use scientific methods to describe, investigate and explain phenomena and raise questions.
7.2:	Students design and conduct a variety of their own investigations and projects.
7.4:	Students understand the history of science, mathematics and technology.
7.12:	Students understand forces and motion, the properties and composition of matter, and energy sources and transformations.

Time to Complete Unit: 1-2 hours of class time