Grouping: Individual or pairs
Take-home: Only if every magnet is permanently enclosed; otherwise keep as a classroom device
Key ideas: Magnetic attraction/repulsion, equilibrium, spacing, rotational stability, precision setup.
Start with: Spin a pencil that appears to float with very little contact.
Success check: Pencil reaches a stable levitating/low-friction position and can spin freely.
Try changing: Magnet spacing; pencil magnet position; support geometry.
Preparation: Establish exact magnet spacing; create gauge block/template; glue base magnets first, then locate pencil magnet; use neat adjustable tape collar.
Lesson flow: 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 and 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.
