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Magnets: A First Look

17 minutes

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Flat horseshoe magnet. Curved top is red with silver magnetic pole ends. One pole is labeled N.

Introduces the basic principles of magnets. Discusses what they do and do not attract, and shows what poles and magnetic fields are. Explains how a compass works and how to make a magnet. Touches on electromagnets and their many uses. Simple experiments reinforce the information; pauses for viewer discussion.

Media Details

Runtime: 17 minutes

Measurement device placed on a circuit powered by three AA batteries. Device shows 0.05 on the display. Caption: (Adabot) zero point zero five amperes.
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Episode 1
3 minutes 49 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Person speaking. Illustration of a battery. Caption: A battery uses chemistry to create electricity.
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Episode 2
7 minutes 2 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Illustration of a circuit board with a tubular object bridging two paths. Caption: In this circuit, I'm filtering power.
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Episode 3
6 minutes 47 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Rectangular diagram with objects moving clockwise around the perimeter. Caption: Electrons flow through the diode in one direction,
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Episode 4
2 minutes 34 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Machine labelled DS1052E Digital Oscilloscope with a wavy line across the screen and complex controls. Caption: We measure frequency in units called hertz.
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Episode 5
5 minutes 12 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Person in a workshop holding a power cord with three prongs. Caption: The answer is these three-prong cables are grounded.
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Episode 6
2 minutes 52 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
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Episode 7
3 minutes 42 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
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Episode 8
3 minutes 39 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
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Episode 9
3 minutes 59 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8
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Episode 10
5 minutes 3 seconds
Grade Level: 5 - 8