🧲 Magnetic Explorer
Test everyday objects with a magnet — sort them into magnetic and non-magnetic, then test if magnetism passes through materials!
🧰 What you need
🔬 Steps
- 1
Gather your objects and write them in two columns: 'I think it's magnetic' and 'I think it's not'.
- 2
Test each object by holding the magnet close (not touching) — does it pull?
💡 Iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic. Aluminium, copper, and plastic are not. - 3
Sort objects into Magnetic (attracted) and Non-Magnetic (not attracted).
- 4
Now test if magnetism passes through: put a paper clip on top of a sheet of paper and move the magnet below — can the paper clip follow?
💡 Magnetic force is invisible — it passes through many materials! - 5
Try the same through your hand, a book, and a glass of water.
🧠 The Science
Magnets attract materials that contain iron, nickel, or cobalt — these are called ferromagnetic materials. A paper clip (made of steel, which contains iron) is attracted to a magnet. A copper coin, rubber, and plastic are non-magnetic and feel no force. The magnetic force field extends invisibly beyond the magnet and passes through non-magnetic materials like paper, your hand, and water — which is why the paper clip follows the magnet through paper!
📚 Related Lessons
- 🧲 Magnetic or Not? — Find out which everyday things a magnet can pull.
- 🧭 Two Poles, Two Rules — Why magnets sometimes snap and sometimes push apart.