The Science of Magnets

My children are really enjoying your summer science activities. Where can I find more of these activities? - Scientifically Minded
Answer: You'll find loads more scientific activities here on our website under "Learning Activities - Science" Here is a fun activity involving magnets. They are fascinating to children because of the way they both stick together and sometimes move away from each other. Playing with them in the following activities is a first step in helping children learn about magnetism. You will need inexpensive magnets of different sizes for this activity.
1. Magnetic Attraction: Select a variety of objects that will and will not be attracted to amagnet, such as pot lids, plastic lids, paper clips, metal and wooden toys, plastic plates, coins, bolts and a staple. Have your child use the magnet to discover which objects it will attract and then divide the objects that are and are not attracted to the magnet into separate piles. See if your child can discover what each group of objects has in common.
2. Making a Needle Compass: Supervise younger children. Your child should tap one end of a needle at least 30 times with a magnet. The other end of the needle should be covered with a piece of tape. The needle should then be stuck through the middle of a wine bottle cork. Next, label the sides of a bowl: north, south, east and west. Fill the bowl with sufficient water so that the cork with the needle will float. No matter which way the bowl is turned, the needle should always point north.
3. Using the Compass: Give your children directions or have them give each other directions so they can practice using a compass. For example, they could be asked to walk 10 steps north and then five steps east.