Material Magnet Interaction

• databot

• IOS/Android Smart Device

Investigations

Physical Science

Overview

Background

What You Will Need/Prep

• Test your databot™ connection.

• You will be prompted to select
  and connect to databot™ each
  time you launch an experiment.

• If there are two or more databot's
  listed, the one closest to your
  device will be highlighted in blue.

Material-Magnet Interaction

Today, you will explore the fascinating world of
magnetism through the study of magnetometers,
which are essential tools for measuring magnetic
fields. Have you ever wondered why some objects
attract or repel each other? This lesson will uncover
the mysteries of magnetic materials and their
invisible forces.

• Install Vizeey™ on your
  Smart device.

• Study the background
  information and terms and
  prepare to explore!

Grades: Middle School

Time: 45 Minutes

Subject: Physical Science

Topics: Magnetic fields

We are surrounded by an invisible but powerful force:
the Earth’s magnetic field. This field acts like a giant
magnet, with its magnetic poles located near the Earth’s
North and South Poles. It helps protect us from harmful
solar radiation and even guides animals, like birds and
sea turtles, as they travel long distances.

To understand magnetism, we first need to look at
magnets. Magnets are objects that create their own
magnetic fields. These fields are invisible but can be
felt as forces of attraction or repulsion. Magnets have
two poles — north and south. Opposite poles attract,
while similar poles repel. The magnetic field around a
magnet extends outward in lines, showing the direction
and strength of the magnetic force.

Scientists use special tools called magnetometers to
study and measure magnetic fields. A magnetometer
detects the strength and direction of magnetic fields
and can be used to study fields produced by the Earth or
other objects.

The databot's magnetometer operates by detecting
changes in the magnetic environment and providing
accurate measurements in microteslas (µT). Using this
device, you can observe how magnetic fields behave
and interact with different materials, helping you
uncover the invisible forces that shape our world.

• Ferrite magnets

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Neodymium magnets

• Various materials for
  testing

Learning Objectives

By completing this lab, students will:

• Visualize, collect, and interpret live sensor data.

• Analyze data and draw conclusions about magnetic fields.

• Understand the purpose and operation of a magnetometer, including how it works and
  the units it uses.

• Measure and record magnetic field strength in microteslas (µT).

Magnet: an object that produces a magnetic field, which exerts a force on certain
materials such as iron and other metals. Magnets have two poles, called the north pole
and the south pole, and they can attract or repel other magnets or magnetic materials.

Magnetic Field: A region around a magnetic material within which the force of
magnetism acts.

Magnetism: a natural force that causes certain materials to attract or repel each other.

Microtesla: Teslas are the units used to describe the strength of magnetic field. The
magnetic field of one Tesla is relatively strong, so magnetic fields are typically
expressed in Microteslas (µT).

Physical Science

Interesting Facts

Natural Magnets: The first magnets were naturally occurring minerals like magnetite,
also known as lodestone. Ancient sailors used these stones as early compasses to
navigate.

Earth is a Magnet: The Earth itself is a giant magnet, with a magnetic field that protects
us from harmful solar radiation. The magnetic field is generated by the movement of
molten iron in Earth's outer core.

Animal Magnetism: Some animals, like birds, turtles, and bees, can sense Earth's magnetic
field. They use it to navigate during migration or travel.

Press this button to start

the experiment.

In order to work with the experiment you need to launch the Vizeey application and click on
+ in the upper right corner.

Then select “Add experiment from QR code” and scan the QR code prepared for this
experiment. Your experiment will appear in the list.

Using Vizeey

In this experiment we will use the magnetic field
sensor (magnetometer) which is built into
databot.The sensor is very sensitive and notices
even the smallest changes in the magnetic field.

Physical Science

Safety Guidelines for Working with Magnets

Avoid Powerful Magnets:

• Do not use extremely strong magnets, as
  they can damage electronic devices,
  including databot and mobile devices.

• Keep Magnets Away from Electronics

• Magnets should not be placed near devices
  like phones, laptops, or credit cards, as they
  can interfere with their operation or erase
  stored data.

Depending on which side of the magnet is
brought closer to the databot and the pole of
the magnet (north or south), the databot’s
sensors will detect changes in the magnetic
field along three axes: X, Y, and Z. These
changes will be displayed in real time, showing
the direction and strength of the magnetic field.

• How do you think distance affects the strength of the field?

Part 3: Experiment Procedure

Predict whether different types of magnets (e.g., bar magnets, neodymium magnets) will
produce varying readings on the databot.

Physical Science

As you might imagine, if databot moves around a stationary magnet, the detected
magnetic field will change depending on its position and orientation relative to the
magnet.

Materials Needed:

• databot with
  magnetometer.

• Ferrite magnets.

• Neodymium magnets.

• Ruler or measuring tape

In this experiment, you will focus on two types of magnets:
ferrite magnets, which are commonly used and relatively
weaker, and neodymium magnets, known for their
exceptional strength. Using databot’s magnetometer, you
will measure and compare the magnetic field strength of
these magnets.

Magnetic Field Strength by Magnet Type

Part 3: Experiment Procedure

Physical Science

• Prepare a clean and uncluttered work area, away from other magnetic or electronic
  objects.

• Turn on your databot and ensure it is fully charged or connected to a power source.

• Place databot in the middle of the table. Take one of the magnets and move it around
  databot. Observe how the magnetic field values ​​change. Explore all 3 axes of the
  magnetic field.

• Stop the experiment

Describe your observations. Why are there 3 axis displays on the databot? How do the
positive and negative poles of the magnet affect databot.

Part 4: Experiment Procedure

Physical Science

• Choose one magnet (e.g., ferrite, or neodymium magnet) for measurement.

• Restart the experiment.

• Place databot in the middle of the table.

• Set the wooden or plastic ruler near databot.

(Do not use a metal ruler, it can affect the readings)

• Bring the magnet closer to databot and measure the distance at which the magnet
  field readings begin to change.

Specify the type of magnet here

__________________________________

• Write down the reading in the Data Table

• Repeat the experiment with a different type of magnet

Specify the type of magnet here

__________________________________

Construct a histogram from the obtained data.

Write down your observations

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

Part 5: Experiment Procedure

Physical Science

Exploring How Different Materials Affect Magnetic Fields

Investigate how various materials influence the readings of the databot™’s magnetometer.
Determine which material in the classroom has the greatest impact.

• Prepare a clean and uncluttered work area, away from other magnetic or electronic
  objects.

• Turn on your databot and ensure it is fully charged or connected to a power source.

• Record the initial reading of the magnetic field displayed by the magnetometer in an
  empty space without nearby objects. Note this value as the baseline.
  ___________________________

• Gather various materials (e.g., wood, plastic, paper, aluminum foil, steel, copper, etc.).

• One at a time, slowly bring each material close to the databot's magnetic field sensor
  without touching it.

• Observe the changes in the magnetic field strength displayed on the app.

• Write down the name of the material and the
  highest reading observed in the Data Table.

• If no change is detected, record "No Effect."

• Continue testing each material and recording
  the results.

Avoid using magnets or magnetized objects during
this part of the experiment.

1. How do you think the ability of materials to affect magnetic fields is applied in real-
world technologies (e.g., shielding, sensors)?

Part 6: Concept Questions

Part 7: Reflection

2. How has this experiment helped you understand the properties of magnets and their
fields?

3. If given more time, what other materials would you like to test, and what do you predict
would happen?

Physical Science