Magnet Science Exploration and Testing

A strong magnet — bar magnet or horseshoe magnet

10-12 household objects: paper clip, key, metal spoon, tin can, wooden block, plastic cup, rubber band, penny, glass marble

Paper and pencil for a results chart

Make a chart with two columns: "Magnetic" and "Not Magnetic."

Hold up the first object: "Will the magnet stick to this paper clip? What's your prediction?"

Bring the magnet close. "It sticks! Paper clip goes in the Magnetic column."

Try the wooden block: "Prediction? Let's test... it doesn't stick!"

Continue through all objects. Always predict before testing.

Review the results: "What do all the magnetic things have in common?"

Go on a magnet hunt around the house: "What else can we test?"

Include some tricky items: a penny (not magnetic despite being metal), aluminum foil (not magnetic), and a stainless steel spoon (sometimes magnetic, sometimes not, depending on composition).

Let your child hold the magnet. The physical sensation of pull is part of the learning.

Draw a picture of each object on the chart instead of writing words if your child doesn't read yet.

Ask: "Can you find something in the kitchen the magnet sticks to?" Self-directed testing deepens the investigation.

Never let children play with small, strong magnets unsupervised. Swallowed magnets are extremely dangerous.