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Solve a Problem Using Magnets

By Platform Administrator · Submitted Sep 30, 2026

Content Area
Science and Technology/Engineering
Grade
3

Students use what they know about forces and magnets to design a model solution to a problem. Several sample problems are offered including: design a fuel efficient transit system or way to clean up ocean garbage patches. However, students and teachers can also come up with their own local problems and solutions, like how to keep a door closed or open or how to move materials across a classroom space using magnets. Or they could design solutions to community problems such as removing trash from a local stream or body of water. After designing, creating, testing and redesigning their models, students advocate for their adoption.

MA Standards

3.ETS.1.2
Generate several possible solutions to a given design problem. Compare each solution based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the design problem.* Clarification Statement: Examples of design problems can include adapting a switch on a toy for children who have a motor coordination disability, designing a way to clear or collect debris or trash from a storm drain, or creating safe moveable playground equipment for a new recess game.
3.PS.2.4
Define a simple design problem that can be solved by using interactions between magnets.* Clarification Statement: Examples of problems could include constructing a latch to keep a door shut and creating a device to keep two moving objects from touching each other.
SL.3.4
Report on a topic, text, or solution to a mathematical problem, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace and using appropriate vocabulary. (See grade 3 Language Standards 4-6 for specific expectations regarding vocabulary.)

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