Using Magnets to Solve a Problem

Turn magnet science into engineering with this scaffolded grade 3 design worksheet — the resource that truly targets NGSS 3-PS2-4. Students learn that a design problem is one you fix by making or using something, then work a real example: Sam spilled steel pins, and a magnet is the safe, fast fix.

Part 1 is a worked example that makes students define the problem before solving it. Part 2 hands them a fresh problem — sorting steel cars from plastic blocks — to design and explain on their own, and Part 3 transfers the thinking. Every solution depends on checking the material first, so the engineering stays honest: a magnet only works when there is iron or steel.

An illustration anchors the problem, and short writing prompts build claim-and-evidence reasoning. Perfect for a STEM center, early finishers, sub plans, or homework. Everything is no-prep: print and teach. A clean answer key with sample responses is included, and the key skips the images to save your ink.

• Grade 3 • NGSS 3-PS2-4 (and 3-PS2-3)
• Define a problem + design a solution + transfer
• Worked example then independent design
• Print-and-go PDF with answer key