Education ForeCAST Tipsheet

The Mag Lab: The Power of Magnetic Molecules For thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by magnetism and have struggled to understand and harness its power. As we have learned more about magnets and the technologies that use magnetic fields, we have made advances in science, materials research and engineering that have changed our lives. For example, the development of computers, electric lights, high speed trains, diagnostic imaging tools and conducting ceramics all resulted from magnet-related research. Most students, however, lack even a basic understanding of the science or application of magnetism. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida (in collaboration with the Florida Department of Education) has developed "MagLab:Alpha", a unique learning and teaching resource for middle grade teachers. This CD-ROM and web-based product uses technology to provide science teachers with the materials and resources necessary to engage a class of students on a series of Expeditions, Explorations and Excursions in search of a greater understanding of magnets and magnetism. The Classroom Experience Patricia Dixon is a high school science teacher on a fellowship at the Mag Lab. She guided the development and design of the program and describes how students on loan to the Mag Lab wrote the language, designed the graphics and worked with faculty advisors on the content. "The students' collaboration was important because kids know best what their peers like and will respond to," says Dixon. "They incorporated into the CD issues from their daily lives -- like movies and games -- to bring the applicability of magnetic concepts home." Expeditions introduce students to scientific magnetic theories; Explorations lead students to research on applying the concepts mastered in the expedition; and Excursions encourage an interdisciplinary approach by integrating art, music, literature, mathematics, geography and history into the study of magnetism. The MagLab:Alpha curriculum consists of three parts: The Guidebook, The Pack and The Interface. It utilizes CD-ROM and web-based resources which are closely aligned with the supplementary teaching materials. Lessons in the curriculum include: Magnets and My World, a creative problem-solving exercise Magnets and the Environment, an interactive program that examines the implications of non-natural magnets for the environment Moving With Magnets, a fast-paced presentation which demonstrates the principles of magnetics that influence transportation, from speed boats to satellites What Does a Scientist Do? A module that challenges misperceptions of scientists and encourages an interest in science literacy and careers What's A Matter? An interactive exploration of resistance and superconductivity at the molecular level MagLab:Alpha meets National and State Educational Goals The design of MagLab:Alpha is based on National and State standards for science and math education, as well as other content area standards, to create a useful tool to facilitate the implementation of an interdisciplinary, standards-based, technology-integrated classroom. The curricular design of "MagLab:Alpha" integrates multiple assessment strategies, allowing both the teacher and student to assess and evaluate the student's learning. Listen to the Education ForeCAST piece on The Mag Lab from Florida Public Radio. Download a free copy of Real Audio here

MagLab:Alpha Emphasizes Educational Reform Goals Students following the MagLab:Alpha curriculum engage in: authentic tasks multidisciplinary tasks collaborative tasks student exploration interactive modes of instruction For more information on the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory's "MagLab:Alpha" curriculum, contact Sam Spiegel or Deborah Brooks at tel (850) 644-2943, by e-mail brooksd@magnet.tsu.edu, or fax (850) 644-9462. Visit the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory for more information and for links to other exciting sites. (www.magnet.fsu.edu) For contact with other schools that have integrated technology into their science curricula for the study of magnetism, explore the following websites: Making Waves An online guide to electromagnetic radiation for high school students; created by St. Mary's High School, Manhasset, New York (www.li.net) Nashville Schools' core science curriculum, exploring magnets, motors and energy (www.nashville-schools. davidson.k12.tn.us) Magnetism and Magnetic Recording Devices , a web-based physics teaching module for high school teachers (http://morgan.rutgers.edu) UniHigh Online Physics, electricity and magnetism (http://cyber.ccsr.uiuc.edu) High School Physics from Boston State University (http://iwonder.bsu.edu) The Gravitational Wave/TIGA Project, a collaboration between the University of Maryland, Louisiana State and the University of Rochester (www.physics.umd.edu)