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Compass Under the Wire
Observe and record the magnetic effect of electric current · Hands-on Science
This unit opens the chapter's first big idea, so orient students to the central question — can electricity produce a magnetic effect — before handing materials over. Watch for the common error of students moving the compass too far from the wire and reporting no deflection; ensure the compass is placed directly beneath the wire. A good readiness checkpoint: every group should be able to state whether the effect persists or disappears when the switch is opened.
0-8Teacher sets up the circuit and poses the opening question: does current do anything to a nearby compass needle?
8-25Groups conduct the observation, systematically recording needle direction with switch open and with switch closed.
25-38Groups share observations and the class constructs a common record on the board, noting the pattern.
38-45Teacher introduces the term magnetic field and links the observation to the idea that a current-carrying wire has a magnetic effect.
Competency (C-2.2). Describing how electricity works and demonstrating its heating and magnetic effects.
Learning outcome. Students can describe, with evidence from their own observations, that a current-carrying conductor produces a magnetic field that disappears when the current stops.
A magnetic compass is placed directly under a wire connected in a circuit. When the switch is closed, the compass needle deflects. When the switch is opened, the needle returns to its original position. What does this observation show about the wire?
- A The compass needle deflects because the wire blocks the Earth's magnetic field.
- B The magnetic effect is caused by the heat produced in the wire when current flows.
- C The wire becomes permanently magnetic when current flows through it.
- D The wire produces a magnetic field only when current flows through it.
D. The wire produces a magnetic field only when current flows through it.
What each wrong option reveals
- A Choosing this option suggests the student has not understood that the compass deflects toward the new field rather than away from a blocked one — a confusion about how magnetic fields interact.
- B Choosing this option reveals a conflation of the magnetic effect and the heating effect, treating them as the same phenomenon rather than two distinct effects of current.
- C Choosing this option indicates the student confuses the electromagnet's temporary field with permanent magnetism — a direct misconception addressed in the nail electromagnet activity.
Also saved as 9 periods or 11 periods or 13 periods.
- 2Building the Nail Electromagnet
Observe and record the magnetic effect of electric current - 3Coil, Core, and Compass Poles
Classify and compare properties of the electromagnet - 4Strength Variables Investigation
Classify and compare properties of the electromagnet - 5Reversing the Poles
Classify and compare properties of the electromagnet - 6Lifting Electromagnets on Cranes
Explain the causal mechanism and industrial application of electromagnets - 7Earth as a Giant Electromagnet
Explain the causal mechanism and industrial application of electromagnets - 8Nichrome Wire Gets Hot
Observe and explain the heating effect of electric current - 9Resistance, Energy, and the Heating Mechanism
Observe and explain the heating effect of electric current - 10Heating Elements in Everyday Appliances
Observe and explain the heating effect of electric current - 11Building a Lemon Voltaic Cell
Explain the source of current: cells and batteries - 12From Voltaic Cell to Dry Cell
Explain the source of current: cells and batteries - 13Rechargeable Batteries and Responsible Disposal
Explain the source of current: cells and batteries - 14Dual-Effect Design Challenge
Integrate and apply: connecting both effects and their energy sources to new contexts - 15The Fishing Boat's Power Problem
Integrate and apply: connecting both effects and their energy sources to new contexts
- 1. Exploring the Investigative World of Science
- 2. Beyond Our Naked Eye
- 3. Health: The Ultimate Treasure
- 4. Magnetic and Heating Effects
- 5. Exploring Forces
- 6. Pressure, Winds, Storms, and Cyclones
- 7. Particulate Nature of Matter
- 8. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
- 9. The Amazing World of Solutes, Solvents, and Solutions
- 10. Light: Mirrors and Lenses
- 11. Keeping Time with the Skies
- 12. How Nature Works in Harmony
- 13. Earth, a Unique Life Sustaining Planet
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