Magnetic Field Visualizer

Content Standards

In this lesson, students will understand how magnets can be used to find directions and learn their properties (poles, attraction, repulsion).

Performance Standards

Students will be able to:

Define poles of a magnet.
Demonstrate how magnets rest north-south when suspended.
Differentiate attraction and repulsion.
Construct a magnetic compass.
Explain how Earth behaves like a giant magnet.

Alignment Standards

Reference: NCERT Book Alignment
The lesson is aligned with the NCERT Grade 6 Science Textbook, Chapter 4: Exploring Magnets, Section 4.3 – Finding Directions.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Define poles of a magnet.
Demonstrate how magnets rest north-south when suspended.
Differentiate attraction and repulsion.
Construct a magnetic compass.
Explain how Earth behaves like a giant magnet.

Prerequisites (Prior Knowledge)

Students know that magnets attract iron.
Students have seen/used ordinary magnets.

Introduction

In this session, students will learn how a magnet always points north-south when suspended, and how this property is used in a magnetic compass for navigation.

Timeline (40 Minutes)

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Engage	5	Ask: “How did people navigate without GPS?” and “Why does a suspended magnet always point in one direction?”	Slides
Explore	10	Activity: Suspend bar magnet vs iron bar → compare orientation. Introduce magnetic field using simple observations.	Slides
Explain	10	Explain poles, attraction/repulsion, Earth as a magnet, compass working, DIY compass. Students now visualise magnetic field lines, compass alignment, attraction–repulsion through the Virtual Lab demonstration (teacher-guided).	Slides and Virtual Lab
Evaluate	10	Students attempt the Self-Evaluation task on the LMS.	Virtual Lab
Extend	5	Think–Pair–Share: “How have magnetic compasses evolved over time?”	Slides

Magnetic Field Visualizer

Introduction

In this session, you will learn how magnets help us find directions. They will explore how a freely suspended magnet aligns itself in the north-south direction, and how this property is used to make navigation compasses.

Theory

Why Use Magnets to Find Directions?
When we need to know directions outdoors, looking at the rising Sun gives an idea of East, but magnets provide a scientific and accurate way. Magnets have a special property – when freely suspended, they always rest along the north-south direction because Earth itself behaves like a giant magnet.

What is a Magnet’s Directional Property?

A freely suspended bar magnet always aligns itself in the north-south direction.
The end pointing north is called the North Pole, and the end pointing south is called the South Pole.
Other metals like iron bars do not show this property – this is unique to magnets.

Magnetic Field

A magnetic field is the area around a magnet where magnetic forces can be felt.
Magnetic fields are invisible but can be visualized using iron filings or compass needles.
Magnetic fields are strongest at the poles of a magnet.

The Magnetic Compass
A magnetic compass is a small box with a needle that can rotate freely. The needle always points north-south, and by aligning the dial with it, we can easily find all directions. This invention has been used for centuries in navigation at sea. Ancient Indians used a device called Matsya-yantra, a fish-shaped magnetized piece floating in oil, to find directions.

Activity 1 – Suspending a Bar Magnet
When you hang a bar magnet with a thread and let it rotate freely, it always comes to rest along the north-south direction. This property helps in testing magnets and finding directions.

Activity 2 – Making a Compass
By rubbing a needle with a magnet (in one direction 30–40 times), it becomes magnetized. Fix the needle in a cork and float it in water. The needle always aligns itself in the north-south direction, creating a simple magnetic compass.

Do You Know?

When two magnets are brought close, they attract or repel depending on their poles.
This shows how magnets not only help in navigation but also explain the invisible force of attraction and repulsion.

Applications / Why is it Useful?

Navigation in seas and deserts where landmarks are absent.
Modern-day compasses for travelers, hikers, and explorers.
Used in scientific experiments to understand Earth’s magnetism.
Helpful in making simple DIY compasses for learning.

Vocabulary

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.

Magnet – object that attracts iron and shows magnetic poles.
North-seeking pole (North Pole) – magnet end pointing north.
South-seeking pole (South Pole) – magnet end pointing south.
Magnetic Compass – device using magnetised needle to find directions.
Magnetisation – process of making a material magnetic.
Magnetic Field Lines – invisible lines showing direction of magnetic force.
Attraction – force pulling unlike poles together.
Repulsion – force pushing like poles apart.
Matsya-yantra – ancient Indian compass device.

Magnetic Field Visualizer

Introduction

Welcome to the Magnetic Field VR Lab! In this interactive experience, you will explore how magnetic fields work, their relationship with the Earth’s magnetic field, and how they affect objects around us. You’ll navigate through different sections that explain the concepts behind magnetic fields and interact with simulations of magnets, compasses, and more.

Key Features

Drag & Drop Magnets: Place bar or horseshoe magnets near iron filings and observe how the filings align along the magnetic field lines.
3D Magnetic Field Lines: Visualize magnetic field lines around magnets with colour-coded lines that show the strength and direction of the magnetic field.
Compass Demonstration: Watch how a compass needle aligns with the magnetic field of a bar magnet or Earth’s magnetic field, providing insight into magnetic force direction.
Attraction & Repulsion: Bring magnets close together to observe how opposite poles attract and like poles repel.
Observation-based Learning: Enjoy automatic animations that illustrate magnetic field behaviours without needing manual setup.
Quick Quiz: Answer 2 MCQs at the end of the lab to test your understanding of the concepts and receive instant feedback.

Step-by-Step Procedure for VR Experience

Access the Virtual Lab
Click the provided link to enter the VR Lab. You’ll be greeted by an introductory screen that guides you through the activity’s navigation.
Explore the Tabs
Switch between the following tabs to explore different concepts in the VR Lab:
1. Magnetic Field Lines: Place a bar magnet in the space provided and see how iron filings align with the field. The field lines will be visualized in 3D with varying colours indicating field strength.
2. Magnetic Poles: Drag magnets and see how opposite poles attract while like poles repel. Observe the force interactions as the magnets move closer or farther apart.
3. Compass and Magnetic Field: Watch how the compass needle reacts to the magnetic field. Adjust the magnet’s strength and position to see how the needle changes direction.
4. Earth’s Magnetic Field: Learn how a freely suspended magnet aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field and how this principle is used in navigation (e.g., compass).
Observe and Analyze
Throughout the lab, observe how the magnetic field lines form around the magnets and how they interact with the compass needle and other magnets. Take note of how the force changes as the distance between the magnets alters.
Quick Quiz
At the end of the lab, take the quiz to test your understanding of the concepts. Answer the questions and receive immediate feedback on your responses to reinforce learning.