Open Access

Manuel Schleicher, Olaf Krey

• The Transregional Collaborative Research Center (TRR360) conducts cutting-edge research in the field of constrained quantum matter (ConQuMat). Its associated outreach initiative aims to bridge the gap between school-level physics knowledge and the foundational concepts necessary to understand quantum matter. In this paper, we present students’ conceptions of magnetism, drawing on a brief literature review. Based on these insights, we developed experiment-based learning environments that form the core of our initial learning module for grades 7 and 8. This unit introduces key concepts such as diamagnetism, paramagnetism, and antiferromagnetism, along with an ”arrow model” designed to visualize magnetic phenomena. We argue that this arrow model offers several advantages over the traditional elementary magnet model, particularly in fostering a more accurate and intuitive understanding of magnetic behavior. The origins of magnetic moments are introduced through the framework of Bohr’sThe Transregional Collaborative Research Center (TRR360) conducts cutting-edge research in the field of constrained quantum matter (ConQuMat). Its associated outreach initiative aims to bridge the gap between school-level physics knowledge and the foundational concepts necessary to understand quantum matter. In this paper, we present students’ conceptions of magnetism, drawing on a brief literature review. Based on these insights, we developed experiment-based learning environments that form the core of our initial learning module for grades 7 and 8. This unit introduces key concepts such as diamagnetism, paramagnetism, and antiferromagnetism, along with an ”arrow model” designed to visualize magnetic phenomena. We argue that this arrow model offers several advantages over the traditional elementary magnet model, particularly in fostering a more accurate and intuitive understanding of magnetic behavior. The origins of magnetic moments are introduced through the framework of Bohr’s atomic model. Finally, we outline our future research directions and plans for expanding the learning module.…