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Monday, January 17, 2011

Conduct a Test with Magnets

Magnetic Energy - Magnetism Test



Which objects will a magnet pick up (attract)?


Bar Magnet

Horseshoe Magnets



  1. Have the kids conduct a Magnetism Test.
  2. Collect 10 or more small objects (eraser, marble, penny, paper clip, elastic, key, dollar bill, etc.) and put them in a ziplock bag, paper lunch bag, plastic cup (I recycle my large plastic Dunkin' Donuts cups!!!), or other container.
  3. Give the objects to each child. Have older students divide a page into 3 columns. In column 1 have them write the names of the objects. Have a written list or pictures for younger students.
  4. In column 2, have the kids PREDICT then RECORD whether they think each object will be attracted to a magnet or not. A simple "Yes" or "No" is fine. Younger students can use "Y" or "N" or draw smiley faces for Yes :) and put an "X" for No.
  5. Then give each child a magnet so that they can test each object.
  6. In column 3, they should record their RESULTS.
  7. Finish up with a discussion and review of the types of materials that magnets are attracted to (objects made of iron, steel, nickel,  or cobalt).
  8. In the discussion, they could also talk about what materials the objects that were not attracted to the magnets were made of (rubber, paper, plastic, styrofoam, copper, etc.). 
You can download a FREE 3 column Graphic Organizer at Learning Workroom's website.
Go to: Free Worksheets

    clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com





    Here are some resources available at Amazon.

    Learning Resources Classroom Magnet Lab Kit 




     What Makes a Magnet? (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)


     Dowling Magnets Simply Science Floating Magnet Rings 



    Super Science Magnet Set 




    What Magnets Can Do (Rookie Read-About Science) 




    Giant Horseshoe Magnet 



    Super Giant Horseshoe Magnet Kit 

    Science with Magnets [With Wire, Nail, Paperclips, Corks and Clay and Horseshoe, Bar, & Disk Magnets and Compass] (Usborne Kid Kits) 


    Have Fun with Science!

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