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One that I always thought was pretty cool (but maybe a bit problematic) was the old cathode-ray tube TV and a large magnet to distort the image.  The reason I liked it was that it shows how magnetic fields can direct the rays in a TV tube.  But it certainly isn't the easiest thing to make practical.  BUT one thing these days is that there is no longer such a fear that the visitors will try it at home and goof-up their own TVs.  But then I'm not really sure how it would effect an LCD or Plasma screen.

Another is showing how a strong rare earth magnet will adhere to a chunk of aluminum.

Is magnetism the theme of the entire exhibit, or are these part of a general science area?  There are lots of great and simple magnetic activities but they may not fit your educational goals.

A few that quickly come to mind: sculpting magnetic sand or small parts; stacking ring magnets; rolling disc magnets down an aluminum channel and seeing them slow down; a field of small compass' that you pass a magnet over to see the field; same with iron-filings; etc.

Oh and electromagnets are fun as well.

Erich Rose

Erich Rose Design
807 The Living End
Austin, TX 78746
512-626-9930; [log in to unmask]




On Mar 16, 2011, at 3:12 PM, Anne Herndon wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Good day, all.  We are in the process of creating some experiences for guests around magnetism here at the museum in the next few weeks.  I'd like to ask for some of your favorite magnetism experiences on a couple levels.  
> 
> Level 1:  simple, elegant, cheap and with easy to acquire materials for a quick turn around into a hands-on exhibit space.
> 
> Level 2: if we want to create more permanent experiences, what has worked well at your institutions?
> 
> Best,
> Anne
> 
> 
> Anne Herndon
> Director, School and Group Programs
> Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
> 1600 Gendy Street
> Fort Worth, Tx  76107
> 817-255-9521    [log in to unmask]
> 
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

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