This document describes a lesson plan called "Magnificent Magnet Mazes" created by Meg Swecker, Candace Harris, and Laura Zebosky for second grade students. The lesson uses magnets and mazes to teach students about magnetism, map skills, communication, and reindeer. Students will build reindeer models, design magnetic mazes, and work together to guide their reindeer through the mazes using cardinal directions. They will then reflect on the activity. The lesson addresses several Virginia state science, math, English, history and technology standards.

1. Magnificent Magnet Mazes
Meg Swecker, Candace Harris, Laura Zebosky
Roanoke County Public Schools
VCEC 2017

2. Target Virginia SOL Standards
Science 2.2
The student will investigate and understand that natural and artificial
magnets have certain characteristics and attract specific types of
metals.
Math 2.10
 The student will count and compare a collection of pennies, nickels, dimes, and
quarters whose total value is $2.00 or less;
English 2.3
 The student will use oral communication skills.
English 2.9
 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

3. Supported Virginia SOL Standards
History 2.6
 The student will demonstrate map skills by constructing simple maps,
using title, map legend, and compass rose.
C/T K-2.1
 Use various types of technology devices to perform learning tasks.
 C/T K-2.6
 Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing,
communication, and presentation activities.

4. Research- Read the Room

5. Research – Read the Room
Nine Learning Stations
One Library Class Period

6. Research Questions
 Where do reindeer live?
 Would they live in Florida or Maine?
 Reindeer are □herbivores □carnivores □omnivores.
 What do they eat?
 What is the main idea at this station?
Do female moose grow antlers? □ Yes □ No
How do you know?
 Name another animal that migrates.
How do reindeer’s hooves change to help them move?

7. Purchase Order

8. Purchase Materials

9. Build your Reindeer!
Using the materials you have purchased, build your reindeer.
Work Efficiently!
 You have 15 minutes to build.
When the timer rings, all building ceases.
 Work Carefully!
No replacements issued for lost or damaged materials.
Ask an adult for help placing the paper clip.
Place your completed reindeer on your name tag.

11. Orient Maze
Whole Group
identify Cardinal
Directions
Teams
Mark Maze
Pinch and Flip!

12. Build your Maze
Must include a
start and finish
Must include three
obstacles

14. Run your Maze
Driver
 Places reindeer on starting point of maze
 Sits under maze
 Moves magnet based on the directions given by teammate
Caller
 Stands and holds maze
 Directs teammate through maze using Cardinal Directions,
‘Go’ and ‘Stop’

15. Students Running the Magnet Maze

16. Reflection
Create a poster about the project using an iPad and the Pic Collag
app
Include your first name
Include a picture of your reindeer
Include a fact about magnets
Include either your opinion of the activity or the rules of the game

19. Download this presentation, handouts, and
more!
https://learningcollaboratory.com/
mswecker@rcs.k12.va.us
cdharris@rcs.k12.va.us
lzebosky@rcs.k12.va.us