Poles, attraction and repulsion, and magnetic materials. Read, watch the magnets, sort, then play.
What it is
A magnet attracts things made of iron, steel, nickel and cobalt. These are magnetic materials. Materials like plastic, wood, glass and paper are non-magnetic.
Why it works
The pull works only on certain metals, so we can test any object by bringing a magnet close and seeing if it is attracted.
Why it matters
This lets us separate iron and steel from other materials, which is useful in daily life and industry.
A few examples
A magnet picks up an iron nail and a steel pin. It does not pick up a plastic toy or paper.
What it is
Every magnet has two poles, a north pole (N) and a south pole (S), where its pull is strongest. You cannot get a single pole on its own.
Why it works
The magnetism gathers at the ends, so pins cling most there and least in the middle. Even if you break a magnet, each piece still has both poles.
Why it matters
Knowing the poles is the key to understanding how magnets pull and push.
A few examples
A bar magnet holds most pins at its two ends. Its middle holds very few.
What it is
We find out if something is magnetic by testing it with a magnet, then sorting the magnetic ones from the rest.
Why it works
Only iron and steel type materials are pulled, so testing quickly tells us which is which, and sorting them makes the pattern clear.
Why it matters
This simple test is used everywhere, from tidying pins to recycling metal.
A few examples
A nail and a key are magnetic. An eraser and a cloth are not.
What it is
A magnet that can swing freely always comes to rest pointing north and south. This is how a compass works, because the Earth itself acts like a giant magnet.
Why it works
The Earth's magnetism gently turns the little magnet until it lines up north to south, giving us a reliable way to find direction anywhere.
Why it matters
This has guided travellers, sailors and explorers for centuries.
A few examples
A freely hung bar magnet settles pointing north-south. A compass needle does the same.
What it is
Magnets are used all around us: fridge magnets, compasses, magnetic latches, speakers, and giant magnets that lift scrap iron.
Why it works
Because magnets pull iron without touching a switch, they are handy for holding, sorting, guiding and even making sound.
Why it matters
Spotting magnets in daily life shows how one simple idea helps in many ways.
A few examples
A fridge magnet holds notes. A crane magnet lifts heavy iron. A compass shows direction.
What it is
Unlike poles attract (N and S pull together) and like poles repel (N and N, or S and S, push apart). To keep magnets strong, avoid heat, dropping and hammering.
Why it works
The pull and push come from the poles, and rough treatment or heat can jumble the magnetism and weaken it, so we handle magnets gently.
Why it matters
Caring for magnets keeps them working well for a long time.
A few examples
N near S pull together. N near N push apart. Do not drop or heat a magnet.
Opposite poles pull together, like poles push apart. It plays and loops on its own.
Drag each object into the right box. sorted 0/8
Have a go first, then tap to see the clear steps.
Q1. Will a magnet attract a plastic ruler?
Q2. How many poles does a bar magnet have?
Q3. A north pole is brought near another north pole. What happens?
Q4. A freely hanging magnet comes to rest pointing which way?
Q5. Name one everyday use of a magnet.
Q6. Give one way to keep a magnet strong.