Electric and Magnetic Forces Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces resources offer a comprehensive, student-led learning experience, featuring engaging, differentiated activities based on the 5E Model. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of electric and magnetic forces. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Complete 5E Lesson provides everything you need to teach a multi-day, engaging lesson with minimal prep. This student-centered approach enables students to explore and understand the forces behind electromagnetism while focusing on real learning outcomes. Students will tackle essential questions such as, "What are the forces of nature that create electromagnetism?" and "What factors determine the strength of electric and magnetic forces?"
This lesson is built on the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation) and is highly adaptable for various learning environments. It includes differentiated materials, such as multimodal input and output stations, PowerPoints, and digital or printable formats. With resources in both English and Spanish, teachers can cater to diverse learning needs while encouraging independent exploration.
Students actively participate in station labs, working through tasks such as hands-on experiments, reading passages, and video analyses. The stations promote engagement, critical thinking, and mastery of key concepts. Extension activities for early finishers and interactive notebook templates enhance learning, while flexible assessment tools allow for accurate evaluation of student progress. Whether in the classroom or online, this comprehensive lesson ensures a robust and inclusive learning experience.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Complete 5E Lesson provides everything you need to teach a multi-day, engaging lesson with minimal prep. This student-centered approach enables students to explore and understand the forces behind electromagnetism while focusing on real learning outcomes. Students will tackle essential questions such as, "What are the forces of nature that create electromagnetism?" and "What factors determine the strength of electric and magnetic forces?"
This lesson is built on the 5E Model (Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation) and is highly adaptable for various learning environments. It includes differentiated materials, such as multimodal input and output stations, PowerPoints, and digital or printable formats. With resources in both English and Spanish, teachers can cater to diverse learning needs while encouraging independent exploration.
Students actively participate in station labs, working through tasks such as hands-on experiments, reading passages, and video analyses. The stations promote engagement, critical thinking, and mastery of key concepts. Extension activities for early finishers and interactive notebook templates enhance learning, while flexible assessment tools allow for accurate evaluation of student progress. Whether in the classroom or online, this comprehensive lesson ensures a robust and inclusive learning experience.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Station Lab is a dynamic, student-led activity designed to keep middle school students engaged while learning about energy. This comprehensive set of materials provides a hands-on approach, saving teachers valuable prep time while allowing students to take charge of their learning. Students will explore and compare electric and magnetic forces through a series of nine modular stations.
Each station offers differentiated activities, allowing students to personalize their learning experience. There are eight main stations, each focused on different ways to learn about electric and magnetic forces, with an additional challenge station for advanced students. The stations are flexible and can be completed independently or in small groups, and teachers guide rather than direct the learning.
Stations include a mix of input and output activities, such as reading passages, videos, hands-on experiments, and digital activities, ensuring a multimodal learning experience. Students can organize, illustrate, write, and assess their understanding, with opportunities for advanced learners to explore further in the bonus "Challenge It!" station. The station lab can be used both in-person and virtually, making it adaptable for various classroom settings.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Station Lab is a dynamic, student-led activity designed to keep middle school students engaged while learning about energy. This comprehensive set of materials provides a hands-on approach, saving teachers valuable prep time while allowing students to take charge of their learning. Students will explore and compare electric and magnetic forces through a series of nine modular stations.
Each station offers differentiated activities, allowing students to personalize their learning experience. There are eight main stations, each focused on different ways to learn about electric and magnetic forces, with an additional challenge station for advanced students. The stations are flexible and can be completed independently or in small groups, and teachers guide rather than direct the learning.
Stations include a mix of input and output activities, such as reading passages, videos, hands-on experiments, and digital activities, ensuring a multimodal learning experience. Students can organize, illustrate, write, and assess their understanding, with opportunities for advanced learners to explore further in the bonus "Challenge It!" station. The station lab can be used both in-person and virtually, making it adaptable for various classroom settings.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Student Choice Projects give middle school students the flexibility to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. The choice board includes nine project options, plus a “design your own” project, with a grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These projects are adaptable to various learning needs. The project page comes in two versions: a modified version for students requiring extra support and a standard version for students seeking a challenge. Teachers can modify the rubric to assess vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and clarity based on individual classroom needs.
The projects are designed to be completed with everyday classroom supplies, such as paper, markers, and scissors, and can be done digitally. For more hands-on projects, crafting materials may be used to build models, offering creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Student Choice Projects give middle school students the flexibility to select a project that aligns with their preferred output style. The choice board includes nine project options, plus a “design your own” project, with a grading rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment.
These projects are adaptable to various learning needs. The project page comes in two versions: a modified version for students requiring extra support and a standard version for students seeking a challenge. Teachers can modify the rubric to assess vocabulary, concepts, presentation, and clarity based on individual classroom needs.
The projects are designed to be completed with everyday classroom supplies, such as paper, markers, and scissors, and can be done digitally. For more hands-on projects, crafting materials may be used to build models, offering creative ways for students to demonstrate their understanding.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Kesler Science Energy Interactive Notebook Bundle offers an engaging way to teach energy concepts with both print and digital options. It’s perfect for traditional classrooms, 1:1 environments, or distance learning, providing flexibility for teachers and students alike.
Topics include conduction, convection, and radiation, energy transformations, renewable and nonrenewable resources, photosynthesis, potential and kinetic energy, and more. The digital version features a unique interactive notebook PowerPoint, compatibility with Google Slides, reflection pages, teacher answer keys, and a modified version for accommodations. The paper version includes blank templates, pre-filled templates for modified needs, and visual guides for assembly.
This bundle ensures students can actively participate in learning energy concepts while offering teachers versatile tools for instruction and assessment in any learning environment.
The Electric and Magnetic Force Strength Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS2-3 and engages students in exploring the factors that affect the strength of temporary magnets. Students build an electromagnet using simple materials like a battery, nail, and copper wire, then experiment by changing variables. Both digital and print formats include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection opportunities to deepen understanding.
This flexible lab offers three differentiated versions—dependent, modified, and independent—making it accessible for a wide range of learners. The dependent version includes guided instructions and inquiry questions; the modified version offers structured support with simplified tasks; and the independent version encourages student-led investigation. Teachers can choose between a hands-on experience or a fully digital, interactive version that includes a recorded lab procedure video.
The lab includes editable teacher resources, answer keys, and compatibility with Google Slides for easy classroom integration. Whether teaching in person or remotely, this lab provides a multimodal, engaging experience for middle school science students while minimizing prep time for educators.
The Electric and Magnetic Force Strength Inquiry Lab aligns with NGSS MS-PS2-3 and engages students in exploring the factors that affect the strength of temporary magnets. Students build an electromagnet using simple materials like a battery, nail, and copper wire, then experiment by changing variables. Both digital and print formats include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and reflection opportunities to deepen understanding.
This flexible lab offers three differentiated versions—dependent, modified, and independent—making it accessible for a wide range of learners. The dependent version includes guided instructions and inquiry questions; the modified version offers structured support with simplified tasks; and the independent version encourages student-led investigation. Teachers can choose between a hands-on experience or a fully digital, interactive version that includes a recorded lab procedure video.
The lab includes editable teacher resources, answer keys, and compatibility with Google Slides for easy classroom integration. Whether teaching in person or remotely, this lab provides a multimodal, engaging experience for middle school science students while minimizing prep time for educators.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Sub Plan offers a complete lesson that covers a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extension tasks, and an assessment. Students begin by engaging in a warm-up and reading a passage about an electromagnetic experiment, followed by completing a graphic organizer on key vocabulary terms such as electricity, conductor, and magnetism.
For early finishers, extension activities allow students to analyze experiments or create lists of everyday items using electricity or magnetism. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket. Comprehensive instructions are provided for substitutes, and the distance learning version includes a Google Form for answers and a student PDF for use in LMS platforms.
This sub plan is designed for flexibility and ease, featuring student-centered activities and behavior checkpoints. It includes substitute directions, engaging lessons, extension activities, and editable versions for various teaching needs, whether for substitutes, distance learning, or at-home assignments.
The Kesler Science Electric and Magnetic Forces Sub Plan offers a complete lesson that covers a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extension tasks, and an assessment. Students begin by engaging in a warm-up and reading a passage about an electromagnetic experiment, followed by completing a graphic organizer on key vocabulary terms such as electricity, conductor, and magnetism.
For early finishers, extension activities allow students to analyze experiments or create lists of everyday items using electricity or magnetism. The lesson concludes with an assessment or exit ticket. Comprehensive instructions are provided for substitutes, and the distance learning version includes a Google Form for answers and a student PDF for use in LMS platforms.
This sub plan is designed for flexibility and ease, featuring student-centered activities and behavior checkpoints. It includes substitute directions, engaging lessons, extension activities, and editable versions for various teaching needs, whether for substitutes, distance learning, or at-home assignments.
The Kesler Science Electromagnetism Escape Room offers an immersive and engaging way for students to showcase their knowledge of electromagnetic energy. With eight independent puzzles, the teacher has complete control over which puzzles to use and in what order, allowing for flexibility in class duration.
The escape room can be conducted in two ways: a low-cost version using manila envelopes for puzzles, or a more authentic setup with locks, a lockout hasp, and a storage box. The puzzles require various materials like magnets, wires, switches, and batteries, with optional puzzles that involve building a fishing pole or testing circuits. There are also online options, including a digital PowerPoint version for students to solve individually or print versions for home use.
Included resources for the activity are teacher directions, detailed answer keys, a digital answer sheet for Google Classroom, and a video challenge to set the mood. Additionally, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and 30 unique signs for a class photo are provided to enhance the experience.
The Kesler Science Electromagnetism Escape Room offers an immersive and engaging way for students to showcase their knowledge of electromagnetic energy. With eight independent puzzles, the teacher has complete control over which puzzles to use and in what order, allowing for flexibility in class duration.
The escape room can be conducted in two ways: a low-cost version using manila envelopes for puzzles, or a more authentic setup with locks, a lockout hasp, and a storage box. The puzzles require various materials like magnets, wires, switches, and batteries, with optional puzzles that involve building a fishing pole or testing circuits. There are also online options, including a digital PowerPoint version for students to solve individually or print versions for home use.
Included resources for the activity are teacher directions, detailed answer keys, a digital answer sheet for Google Classroom, and a video challenge to set the mood. Additionally, over 50 prize ideas, reward templates, and 30 unique signs for a class photo are provided to enhance the experience.
This Boosting Magnetic Force Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces. Designed for middle school, the leveled nonfiction article introduces students to the use of permanent magnets and electromagnets. After reading, students answer comprehension questions and illustrate a model to demonstrate their understanding.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100–1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is also provided to support structured note-taking. The materials are visually engaging, easy to print in grayscale, and suitable for students in grades 6–8, as well as advanced 5th graders.
Perfect for whole-class instruction, sub plans, extra credit, or ISS, this reading resource supports science literacy and textual analysis. It includes editable files for use in virtual classrooms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally or in person.
This Boosting Magnetic Force Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces. Designed for middle school, the leveled nonfiction article introduces students to the use of permanent magnets and electromagnets. After reading, students answer comprehension questions and illustrate a model to demonstrate their understanding.
The resource includes two leveled articles (Lexile 1100–1300), five to seven comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project. A Cornell notes template is also provided to support structured note-taking. The materials are visually engaging, easy to print in grayscale, and suitable for students in grades 6–8, as well as advanced 5th graders.
Perfect for whole-class instruction, sub plans, extra credit, or ISS, this reading resource supports science literacy and textual analysis. It includes editable files for use in virtual classrooms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally or in person.
The Kesler Science Electromagnet Writing Prompt Activity offers an engaging way for middle school students to explore physical science concepts while enhancing their writing skills. Using a newspaper article format, this activity encourages students to apply their understanding of electromagnets in a creative way. It is designed to be used in both traditional and virtual learning settings, making it flexible for all environments.
The activity is aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, providing a structured yet fun way for students to demonstrate their knowledge. It includes teacher directions, answer guides, and rubrics, as well as projection versions to share with the class. Students can use the full-sized handouts for in-depth exploration or half-sheet handouts for easy integration into interactive notebooks.
This writing prompt can serve multiple purposes, such as cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, or student choice projects. It's also great for differentiation, offering opportunities for early finishers to elaborate, for extra credit, or as make-up work. The digital version, compatible with Google Slides, ensures that both in-person and remote learners can participate effectively.
The Kesler Science Electromagnet Writing Prompt Activity offers an engaging way for middle school students to explore physical science concepts while enhancing their writing skills. Using a newspaper article format, this activity encourages students to apply their understanding of electromagnets in a creative way. It is designed to be used in both traditional and virtual learning settings, making it flexible for all environments.
The activity is aligned with TEKS and NGSS standards, providing a structured yet fun way for students to demonstrate their knowledge. It includes teacher directions, answer guides, and rubrics, as well as projection versions to share with the class. Students can use the full-sized handouts for in-depth exploration or half-sheet handouts for easy integration into interactive notebooks.
This writing prompt can serve multiple purposes, such as cross-curricular activities, pre-test assessments, or student choice projects. It's also great for differentiation, offering opportunities for early finishers to elaborate, for extra credit, or as make-up work. The digital version, compatible with Google Slides, ensures that both in-person and remote learners can participate effectively.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy WIKI Tickets provide flexible, formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science topics in a fun and engaging format. This set includes 18 assessments, each aligned to NGSS and TEKS standards, covering topics like energy transformations, thermal energy transfer, wave characteristics, and more. WIKI Tickets can be used in various formats, including projection, printable handouts, and interactive digital versions for virtual or in-person learning.
Each topic offers five formats: full-screen projection, full-, half-, and quarter-page handouts, and editable PPT or Google Slides files for digital use. A bonus table of contents aligns each ticket to specific standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage. These assessments are perfect for exit tickets, bellringers, or gauging student understanding throughout a lesson.
"WIKI" stands for "What I Know Is," emphasizing student reflection and learning. Whether used in a traditional classroom or remote setting, these colorful and versatile assessments help you monitor progress effectively while keeping students engaged.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
The Kesler Science Energy Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed for early finishers or as a wrap-up to energy lessons. These extensions offer rigorous, fun opportunities for critical thinking and creativity while aligning with NGSS and TEKS energy standards.
Each Lesson Extension includes four activities: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM projects, Tech Connection for digital media integration, and Word Master for creative writing. Resources include teacher directions, answer keys, digital projection versions, and printable handouts.
Topics covered range from kinetic and potential energy to photosynthesis, thermal energy, and more. These versatile activities scaffold learning and engage students in deeper exploration of energy concepts, making them perfect for independent learners and classroom enrichment.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the science behind electric and magnetic forces through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading centered on maglev trains, followed by comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity. An explanatory reading then breaks down the factors that influence the strength of forces, helping students build a solid scientific understanding.
This no-prep resource is designed to bookend any lesson, making it ideal for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. It includes teacher directions, answer keys, and editable materials in multiple formats to support various instructional settings. The package also features full-page projection slides and both full- and half-sheet student handouts.
Differentiation is built in, with a modified version that includes sentence starters and simplified language for student support. This lesson is ready for use in both print and digital classrooms, making it a flexible and accessible addition to any middle school science curriculum.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson introduces and reinforces the science behind electric and magnetic forces through real-world connections. It begins with an engaging reading centered on maglev trains, followed by comprehension and extension questions to spark curiosity. An explanatory reading then breaks down the factors that influence the strength of forces, helping students build a solid scientific understanding.
This no-prep resource is designed to bookend any lesson, making it ideal for the Engagement and Elaborate phases of the 5E model. It includes teacher directions, answer keys, and editable materials in multiple formats to support various instructional settings. The package also features full-page projection slides and both full- and half-sheet student handouts.
Differentiation is built in, with a modified version that includes sentence starters and simplified language for student support. This lesson is ready for use in both print and digital classrooms, making it a flexible and accessible addition to any middle school science curriculum.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions
Below are the essential questions associated with the lessons and activities included in this unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are the forces of nature that create electromagnetism?
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What factors determine the strength of electric and magnetic forces (use data)?
Kesler Science Membership
Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).
Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.