Magnetic attraction Magnetism and electricity ~ Activity 1 Objectives • use magnets of different shapes and sizes in purposeful play to explore their effects on different materials • investigate that magnets attract magnetic materials, such as iron and steel Working scientifically • Questioning • Observing • Predicting • Investigating and experimenting • Analysing (sorting, classifying and interpreting) • Recording and communicating Designing and making • Exploring • Making Background information Metals containing iron and steel are attracted to a magnet. Aluminium and copper do not contain any iron and so are not attracted to magnets. This is why soft drink cans do not stick to magnets. All magnets have a force concentrated at their two poles (north and south). All magnets have the ability to attract or repel certain objects. This ability is produced by the arrangement of atoms within the magnetic material. Before the lesson Materials needed • Magnets (different sizes and shapes; e.g. bar, horseshoe), paperclips, pencils, buttons, spoons, leaves, safety pins, keys, soft drink cans. Preparation • Magnetism activities can be set up in class stations for small groups to rotate through if material supplies are limited. • Pupils can be organised into small groups. The lesson Stimulus • Ask the pupils if they have magnets or objects that are magnetic at home. Discuss their responses. What to do • In groups, the pupils are given a tray with an assortment of materials on it. • The first tester chooses an object. The group decides what the object is made from. Some adult assistance may be required here. The pupils make a prediction as to whether the object will be attracted to a magnet. They complete the first two parts of the worksheet. • The pupil places the magnet next to the object. Is it attracted? The pupils complete the last column of the table. • Pupils can sort the objects into those that are and are not attracted to magnets. Pupils should be able to identify that materials made from metal are attracted to magnets. • Materials like aluminium cans, paper, plastic, wood or corks are not attracted or repelled by magnets. • Based on what was discovered, have pupils predict two or more materials they think would be magnetic and nonmagnetic. If possible, test these predictions and discuss the reason behind their decisions. After the lesson Answers • Answers will vary depending on objects tested, but generally metal objects are attracted. Materials like aluminium, paper, plastic, wood or rocks neither attract nor repel. Viewing Sample Additional activities • Find buried treasures. In a small sand tray or box, hide a variety of magnetic materials. Secure small bar or button magnets to the end of a stick or ruler with tape. Pupils can only use the magnetic sticks to find the objects. Tell them the number of items buried and see who can find the most or who can find them all in the fastest time. • Make fish shapes on sturdy card. Attach a small magnet to a piece of string and tie the string to a pole or stick to make a fishing rod. Place a paperclip on the nose of each fish. How many fish can pupils catch? Make it a spelling or maths activity by attaching words or sums to the fish to match to certain sounds or numbers. • Test other objects around the room or outdoors that are attracted to a magnet. Predict the outcome and test for results. Display ideas • Make a large chart classifying drawings, pictures or words of things which are attracted to or unaffected by magnets. • Research toys or other objects we use that contain magnets. Draw and explain how the magnets work for each item (e.g. magnet sculptures, door bells, door latches, telephones, computers, some trains/tracks, tape recorders). Display the reports. 62 <strong>PR</strong>IMARY SCIENCE ~ Prim-Ed Publishing ~ www.prim-ed.com
Magnetism and electricity ~ Activity 1 Magnetic attraction Complete the table. Test each object using a magnet. Viewing Sample What is similar about the objects attracted to magnets? (a) Do you think a soft drink can will be attracted to a magnet? (b) Try it. What happens? www.prim-ed.com ~ <strong>PR</strong>IMARY SCIENCE ~ Prim-Ed Publishing 63
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