Magnets: push and pull
Magnets pull on some things and not on others, and two magnets can push or pull each other. With a magnet hunt around the classroom.
Read
A magnet can pull things towards it without touching them! But it only pulls on some things: things made of iron, like most paper clips and nails. Wood, plastic, paper and glass are not pulled at all.[2]
Every magnet has two ends, called the north pole and the south pole.[1]
Hold two magnets together. A north and a south pull together. Two norths, or two souths, push each other away![1]
The Earth is like a giant magnet too. That is why the needle of a compass always points north, and why sailors and walkers use compasses to find their way.[1]
Try it: Magnet hunt
You need
- A magnet (a bar magnet or a fridge magnet)
- Things to test: a paper clip, a pencil, a plastic spoon, a nail, a sheet of paper, a key, a rubber, foil
- A sheet with two columns: YES and NO
Safety
Keep magnets away from phones, tablets and bank cards. Small magnets are not toys for little brothers and sisters: they are dangerous to swallow.
What to do
- Guess first: will the magnet pull this thing? Write your guess.
- Hold the magnet close to the thing. Does it jump to the magnet or stick to it?
- Put it in the YES column or the NO column.
- Look at your YES things. What are they made of?
What happens, and why?
Magnets pull on things made of iron (and a few other metals). Paper clips and nails are made of steel, which is mostly iron, so they stick. Wood, plastic, paper and rubber are not pulled. Not every metal is pulled either: aluminium foil does not stick.[2]
Play: Magnet or not?
Will the magnet pull it? Tap yes or no.
Your best score is kept only on this device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Quiz
Other ages: Ages 10–11 · Ages 15–16