Introduction

Scope & Sequence

Course Outlines

Assessment

Resources

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Main Topics & Concepts

The Earth is influenced by the Sun and the Moon
The magnetic field
Gravity

This section of the scope and sequence allows you to review the concepts of the gravity and magnetic fields.

Standards

This topic touches on SFUSD Content 4 (Magnetism and Electricity) through performance standard 4.5.

Science Probe Text

Chapter 4 of Science Probe II is focused on electricity and magnetism. Section 1 reviews magnetic fields and discusses magnetic poles and the Earth's magnetic field. Section 2 addresses magnetism and permanent magnets - concepts that will be useful in discussion of sea-floor spreading.

Activity	Access	Description
Science Probe I: Activity 12D Exploring Magnetic Forces		Students will explore magnetic forces and how this affects the movement of magnetic material. This activity provides background to understand magnetic reversals.

Activities & Lessons

Activity	Access	Description
Your age and weight on other planets Ball State University		This is a teacher's guide from the Messages from Outer Space Online Web site. The activity introduces the concepts of differences in gravity between the planets and the period of revolution around the Sun.

Resources

Resources	Access	Description
The Great Magnet, Earth NASA		This Web site commemorates the 400th anniversary of the publication of "De Magnete" by William Gilbert. The site emphasizes the evolution of scientists' understanding of the magnetic field. This site is appropriate for either teachers or students.
The Magnetosphere NASA		In a series of tutorials, this web page explains the magnetic fields that surround the Earth, magnetic storms (aurora), ions, electromagnetic waves, the history of discovery, and much more. The amount of detail at this Web site makes it more suitable for teachers than for students. However, students working on a project on the Earth's magnetic field will find a gold mine of information.
Circular Motion and Satellite Motion The Physics Classroom		This is a topic from the Physics Classroom. It is a tutorial on circular and elliptical motion, with a lesson on Universal Gravitation. This resource may be best for teachers seeking to improve their background in this subject area.