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Red Flags
Keep magnets away from credit cards, TV’s,
and computers.
Questions to Ask
What objects do you think will be attracted to the magnet? Which
ones will not? How can we keep track of the ones that are attracted
and the ones that aren’t?
Science Connection
In the space around a magnet there is an invisible magnetic force
field. When another magnetic object is moved into the magnetic field,
the object will be pulled or attracted to the magnet.
A magnet’s magnetic field is strongest in two places, called
poles. The pole that points toward Earth’s magnetic north is
called the north pole, and the opposite end is the south pole. Opposite
poles attract each other; like poles repel or push away from each
other.
Magnetite is a naturally found mineral that contains iron and is
attracted to magnets. Some magnetite, called lodestone, will point
toward the Earth’s magnetic poles when suspended freely --
a primitive compass.
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Why
To explore the properties of magnets
What You Need I
Magnets
Various household objects
Clear container
Water
What to Do I
Ask children to fill a clear container with water. What waterproof
household items would they like to place in the water? How could
they get these items to “swim” in the water? After they
try to make them move by blowing or pushing with their hands,
ask them to try a magnet or bingo wand outside the container.
What do they think will happen? If an object is attracted by a
magnet when it is out of the water, can the magnet still attract
it when it is in water?
What You Need II
Shoebox lid
Paper
Paint
Magnets
Various household objects
What to Do II
Ask the children how they could fit a piece of paper in a shoebox
lid. Brainstorm ideas as to how this can be accomplished. When
a decision is made, place the paper in the lid. Put household
items in the lid and then pour a small amount of paint on the
paper. What happens when you move a magnet under the lid? If an
object is attracted by a magnet when it is not in the lid, can
the magnet still sttract it when it is in the lid?
Vocabulary
Attract: To be pulled together. When a magnet “sticks”
to an object it is attracted to that object.
Iron: Is the most common and important metal element on Earth.
It is in all living things. Iron is the major component of everything
made of steel.
Magnetism: Magnetism is an unseen force that causes certain materials
to be attracted to each other or pushed apart.
Magnet: A piece of metal or iron having the majority of its molecules
aligned in the same direction, causing an attractive force, or
a magnetic field, to occur. Magnets mainly attract objects with
iron in them.
Try This
Place a few drops of food coloring in clear water. Put various
waterproof objects in the water and then see what happens to the
food coloring when a magnet is moved outside the container. How
has the water changed? Why?
Try burying some items in sand. Can the magnet find them?
Can the children demonstrate the actions of an item being attracted
to a magnet—and one being repelled? |
