Summary

In this lab students will investigate the properties of ferromagnetic fluid and magnetism. Students will also have the opportunity to complete research about magnetic properties to help answer analysis questions.

Grade Level

Elementary School

Objectives

By the end of this lab, students should be able to

• Identify magnetism as a physical property.
• Record and analyze data based on their observations.

Chemistry Topics

This lab supports students’ understanding of

• Physical Properties
• Observations
• Solutions
• Mixtures

Teacher Preparation: 30 minutes

Lesson: 1 hour

Materials

• 1 Glass jar per group/pair of students (quantity depends on how many sample s you will make)
• 1 Strong magnet per group/pair of students
• About 1 tablespoon light olive oil or lubricating machine oil (any oil will do)
• Water
• Mineral oil (1 tablespoon yields enough for 2-3 samples of ferromagnetic fluid)
• 1 tablespoon of Black Iron Oxide - Fe3O4(1 tablespoon yields enough for 2-3 samples of ferromagnetic fluid)
• 1 Metal or glass mixing tray
• 1 Stir stick or spoon
• Books about magnetism (optional)
• Internet access for research
• plastic gloves (this can get messy)

Safety

• Always wear safety goggles when handling chemicals in the lab.
• Students should wash their hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.
• When students complete the lab, instruct them how to clean up their materials and dispose of any chemicals.
• Do not consume lab solutions, even if they’re otherwise edible products.
• Food in the lab should be considered a chemical not for consumption.

Teacher Notes

• Here are a few possible websites for students to use for research:
• Magnet Facts
• Magnetic Properties
• You can either make the ferromagnetic fluid in advance or let the students watch you as you make it as a demonstration, but I would strongly advise that you experiment with the measurements in advance because the ratios tend to change slightly with different oils.
• If you do decide to create it in front of the students you should explain and identify each of the ingredients as you add them.
• Depending what medium you add to the oxide powder it will react differently; a low viscosity medium like water will allow you to play with magnetic fields with immediate feedback, a higher viscosity medium like mineral oil will suspend the oxide particles and create beautiful sculptures of magnetic fields.
• Procedure (this will make enough for 2-3 jars):
  1. Mix one tablespoon of oil and one tablespoon of black iron oxide powder. Tip: If you use too much ink you will end up with something too viscous to flow. Too little ink and the mixture will not be magnetic enough. Mix them in roughly equal parts for the best results.
  2. Use a stir stick or spoon to ensure that the oil and ink are well mixed.
  3. Place a small scoop of the ferrofluid in a jar. (If you add too much it tends to stick together).
  4. Fill the jar with water.
  5. Secure a lid on the jar.
  6. Now experiment with a strong magnetic outside of the jar.
• Introduce the jars of ferromagnetic fluid and magnets to the students by showing them how the magnet attracts to the fluid.
• Allow the students a little time to explore with the ferromagnetic fluid jars. It’s helpful to have a number ofjars created in order to share among students.