Levitating Pencil
Levitating Pencil Days: 2 Mode: Individual or pairs Take-home: Only if every magnet is permanently enclosed; otherwise keep as a classroom device
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Magnetic attraction/repulsion, equilibrium, spacing, rotational stability, precision setup.
Hook: Spin a pencil that appears to float with very little contact.
Test / evidence: Pencil reaches a stable levitating/low-friction position and can spin freely.
Variables to change: Magnet spacing; pencil magnet position; support geometry.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: Magnetic-field demo → build base using spacing gauge → secure magnets
Day 2: Position pencil magnet → adjust collar/spacing → spin test → troubleshoot stability
Safety / cleanup:
Strong magnets are teacher-managed and counted in/out. Keep away from electronics, medical devices, and mouths. Send home only when every magnet is permanently enclosed; otherwise retain the device at school.