Magnetic Poles

The science concepts/standards for this lesson are:

• Magnets have 2 ends called poles (North {positive} and South {negative}).
• Opposite poles attract (pull closer) each other (N an S).
• Like poles repel (move away from) each other (N and N) (S and S).

Materials Needed 

• 2 magnets (per child or group)

Opposite Poles Attract

  

   

Like Poles Repel

1. Give the kids 2 magnets and time to "play", observe, and discover with the magnets.
2. Ask the children what they observed and discovered from "playing" with the magnets.
3. Have the children predict (or recall) what happens when 2 opposite poles are pushed together. Have the kids push 2 opposite poles together. Then have them try to pull the opposite poles apart. The magnetic forces between the magnets will be holding them together.
4. Have the children explain what happens when 2 opposite poles are pushed together
5. Have the kids predict (or recall) what happens when 2 identical poles are pushed together. Have the kids try to push 2 identical poles together. They will feel the magnetic forces pushing the magnets apart.
6. Have the children explain what happens when 2 identical poles are pushed together.  

 Attraction



Lots of Attraction



Opposite Poles Attract

Children can sketch and label pictures of this activity in their science notebooks showing the magnets attracting and repelling.  

These magnetic rings also demonstrate magnets attracting and repelling and are lots of fun for kids to explore!

Have fun learning about magnets!