Materials
Magnets Assorted metal and non-metal objects
Instructions
Note: In advance, place various objects that are attracted to magnets around the room, such as scissors, coins, gem clips, utensils, etc.Caution: Supervise closely.
1. Display one or two strong magnets and demonstrate how they work, using both objects that have attraction to magnets and others that do not.
2. Ask the children to walk around the class and pick up an object they think the magnet will attract.
3. Take turns showing their items and testing whether or not they are attracted. Let the class guess the answer before testing the items.
4. Have a follow-up discussion concerning the properties of objects that are attracted to magnets.More to doMore science: Put all collected objects and the magnets on the science table with two boxes labeled Yes and No. Let the children take turns testing the items and putting them in the proper boxes.
