This morning we welcomed the Science FUNdamentals guest speakers to discuss the concept of Magnetism. Here are few highlights from the presentation:

-reviewing the scientific method process (what are the 5 steps in this process?

-what is magnetism? (magnets pull or push away magnetic materials)

-magnets have been around for a very long time (Greek history)

-magnetic fields are shields is a protective field around the Earth

-magnetic lines of force (opposites attract)

-how are magnets connected to The Earth

-magnetic field on Earth is the opposite of the Earth's geographical field!!!!

-we did a homemade compass with materials found around the house

-Japan and Germany use magnetic levitation trains to reduce friction by using magnetic republic to suspend the train 1 to 10 cm above the track. This allows the train to ride on a cushion of air.

-what is electromagnetism? 

-what is homopolar magnet and Lenz's Law?

-what is the difference between a conductor and an insulator? 

There is an event on March 15th at the University of Calgary for students and families to explore. There will be booths set-up for experiments, lab tours, and discussions about dinosaurs.