Cross-Specialization Training of Grades 7-10 Science Teachers

on their non-major Science Subjects

October 15-20, 2018

Grade 10 Activity Sheet on Electricity and Magnetism

Activity 2: Oersted’s Discovery

Objectives
1. Explain the significance of Oersted’s discovery to the field of electricity and magnetism.
2. Design and create a simple electromagnet and demonstrate how it works in front of the
class.

Materials
Iron nail, copper wire, 1.5V dry cell, small metal objects (e.g. metal paper clips)

Procedure

1. Watch the video clip on Oersted’s Discovery.

Refer to this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w-1-4Xnjuw
2. Using available materials, design and create a simple electromagnet and demonstrate how
it works in front of the class.
3. Explain how an electromagnet is related to Oersted’s discovery.

Q1. Why does a current-carrying wire deflect a compass needle?

______________________________________________________________________________
Q2. What happens to the compass needle if the current is reversed?
______________________________________________________________________________
Q3. What does the direction of the compass needle represent?
______________________________________________________________________________
Q4. In your own words, explain the significance of Oersted’s discovery to the fields of
electricity and magnetism?
______________________________________________________________________________

/mgp