Magnets can be natural or man-made. Magnetite is a mineral that is a natural magnet. Man-made magnets are made from steel. Magnets can pick up or stick to iron and steel.
Magnets come in many sizes, shapes, and strengths.
Compare the strengths of various magnets by determining how many paper clips can be held in a chain by each type of magnet. There is a various assortment of magnets at different locations in the classroom, go in groups of 3 to each station, rotate at intervals when instructed to do so. Each magnet has a north pole and a south pole. A magnet is strongest at its pole. Sometimes the letters N and S are stamped into the magnets to label the poles.