Designing Fair Tests With Magnets

Data Story

In this short practice assessment, students are given experimental questions about magnetism. Based on the question, they decide what needs to be kept the same in the experiment and filter the dataset so that only one variable is changing at a time. Then, they use the resulting graph to make a claim.

Fifth graders did an experiment to figure out what factors affect the pull force of magnets. They did twenty-four tests total. During each test they could change any of the following: shape of the magnet, distance between the magnet and the object it was pulling on, or the material the second object was made out of.

Topics and standards: Science, Physical Science, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Cause & Effect, Tuva Jr., Grade 3, 3-PS2-3, 3-PS3-3, 3.2.3.C