Discover the Magic of Magnets

For kids

Magnets are super cool! They can stick to metal and even make things float. Let's explore how magnets work and do some fun experiments!

What You'll Need

• A few different magnets (bar magnets, round magnets, etc.)
• Paper clips
• A piece of string
• A ruler
• Some small objects (plastic toys, a coin, a button)

Let's Experiment!

Follow these steps to explore magnets:

1. Magnet Hunt: Take a magnet and see what it sticks to. Try different objects! Which things are magnetic? Which aren't?
2. Paper Clip Chain: Hold a magnet near a paper clip. Does it stick? Now, try to make a chain of paper clips, one hanging from the other, using the magnet!
3. Floating Magnet: Tie a piece of string to the middle of a bar magnet. Hold the string up. Does the magnet stay level? Now, try to hold the magnet still and bring a paper clip near it. What happens?
4. Testing Objects: Test your other objects with a magnet. Do they stick? Make a list of what works and what doesn't.

Why Magnets Work

Magnets have a special force called magnetism. This force pulls on certain metals, like iron. Magnets have two ends called poles: a north pole and a south pole. Opposite poles (north and south) attract each other, and similar poles (north and north, or south and south) push away from each other!

Safety First!

Adult supervision is needed for this activity.

• Be careful not to pinch your fingers with the magnets.
• Keep magnets away from electronics like phones or computers, as they could be damaged.
• Do not put magnets in your mouth.

Try This Next!

Can you build a simple magnetic maze? Draw a maze on a piece of paper. Place a paper clip on the maze and use a magnet underneath the paper to guide the paperclip through the maze. Have fun!