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Grade 3 · lesson 2 of 4

Use pole labels

Use pole labels using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
  • Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
  • Reference card A: opposite labeled poles attract. Reference card B: matching north poles repel.
  • Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: North faces south.
  • Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: North faces north.
  • Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: South faces south.
  • Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: A cut piece still has two poles.
  • Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: South faces north.
  • Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Matching south ends face.

Learn the idea

A bar magnet has north and south poles. Cutting a magnet does not isolate a single north pole in this elementary model; each piece has both poles.

N-s means opposite labeled poles attract. N-n means matching north poles repel. S-s means matching south poles repel. Two-pole piece means each cut piece has both pole kinds.

For N-S, look for the clue “opposite labeled poles attract.” For N-N, look for “matching north poles repel.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

  1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
  2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
  3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
  4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “opposite labeled poles attract”; a second states “matching north poles repel.” The first fits N-S and the second fits N-N. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Use the feature “opposite labeled poles attract” to justify N-S; do not sort by the name alone.
  • Distinguish N-N (matching north poles repel) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: North faces south.

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

N-S

The answer is N-S. In the notes, it means “opposite labeled poles attract.” A bar magnet has north and south poles. Cutting a magnet does not isolate a single north pole in this elementary model; each piece has both poles.

Take it further

Create one new case showing N-S and one showing N-N. Expected: the first explicitly shows “opposite labeled poles attract”; the second explicitly shows “matching north poles repel.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: North faces north.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: matching north poles repel.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: South faces south.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: matching south poles repel.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: A cut piece still has two poles.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: each cut piece has both pole kinds.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.