STEM Magnetic Raceway

After solving the Area and Perimeter problem independently, students will use painters tape to create the race track on the classroom floor (each group will make their own). I assign about 3-4 students per group.

Students should use rulers to measure out the sides and a protractor to check for right angles in the corners.

Students will then create a “racetrack” within the rectangle. The starting line will be at the top left corner and the finish line will be in the bottom right. The track should be at least 4 inches wide and have at least 4 turns between 45 & 90 degrees.

Tape a bar magnet to the top of each car. Groups will "race" their cars on their own tracks using a stopwatch to record start to finish. Students will write their times on a chart in the front of the room using seconds/minutes.

After all groups have gone. Students will return to their seats and fill in the bottom section on magnetism. They will use what they learned during the activity and from previous lessons to fill in the bottom portion. 

Students testing out their cars on the raceway
car1.pngStudents testing out their cars on the raceway

Students testing out their cars on the raceway


Using the magnet to push or repel the car along
magnetcar2.jpgUsing the magnet to push or repel the car along

Using the magnet to push or repel the car along


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