
Why Is Learning about Magnetism So Important?
Everyone should get to know at least a little bit about the mysteries of the world around us, and one of those fields is magnetism. We encounter magnets multiple times in our daily lives, sometimes without even realizing their presence. They are found in every electric motor, in cabinet locks, or bike counters. In typical household appliances, electronics, or computers, there are at least a few of them, and sometimes even dozens. Earth itself is a giant magnet, and that's what compasses rely on for their operation. However, the situation is quite different in African countries compared to Western societies. The level of education in many African countries is very low, and students often struggle with access to basic knowledge. That's why any initiative that can improve this situation is very valuable and provides new opportunities for students in those regions. This was the case with the "Science Circus Africa" program. One of the areas the organizers focused on was magnetism, and thanks to collaboration with the Australian National University and AMF Magnets Australia, they were able to show many young people for the first time what magnets look like and how they work. The project involved more than 40,000 participants, which was a tremendous success for the organizers and demonstrated the need for such initiatives.
Fun with a Purpose - Playing with Magnets
The Science Circus Africa project is an excellent example that, in many cases, it doesn't require significant financial investment, but rather dedication to make something truly useful. In three African countries, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi, a series of meetings and workshops were organized for local teachers and students. Magnets played a central role in these events - they were used to demonstrate the basic principles related to magnetism, and they also provided fantastic entertainment. The sight of children seeing magnets for the first time and trying to connect and separate them was incredible, said Graham Walker, the project leader. The organizers focused on both play and learning. On one hand, they distributed a substantial number of magnets to the participants, but they also emphasized the transfer of knowledge related to magnetic fields, attraction and repulsion, and the transmission of electrical energy. To inspire teachers, they decided to create a special brochure based on the experiences gained. It is freely accessible and can be used as a teaching aid when preparing their own lessons.
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#magnets in educationpiątek 2021-04-02T18:00:00