Magnetic Field Line Viewer

This easily-made device allows a magnet’s unseen magnetic field to become “visible” in 3 dimensions. Iron filings are contained between a pair of clear lids joined at the rims and held apart by a trapped bubble of air. This simple tool can reveal the patterns due to invisible forces created by magnets.

Grades covered: 2 through 12
Curriculum Topics: Magnets, Magnetism, Patterns

Standards

Idea Sheets are cross-referenced to subjects listed in the Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and California Content Standards.

Categories include:
  • Earth and Space Science
  • Physical Science
  • Grades K-2
  • Grades 3-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Science
Tags: Magnetism, Forces & Motion, Earth Systems, Patterns
Subjects covered: ["Earth\/Space Science","Physical Science"]