2.4b Interactions of matter and energy shape our world. Living things contribute energy to and take energy away from non-living surroundings causing changes in both. The interactions of matter and energy are subject to accepted physical laws. If so, you were using a magnet. Today, we are going to learn about magnets, their properties, and how they are used everyday.
Natural magnets are permanent magnets that never lose their magnetism.
This is also true of manufactured magnets, which are created by moving a permanent magnet across steel many times in the same direction or by tapping a piece of steel with a hammer while it is in a coil of wire through which electricity is flowing. Another kind of magnet, which can be strong and is capable of being turned on and off, is called an electromagnet. If possible, have several compasses available for students to examine. Tell students to look at compasses and notice that the needle moves freely. Explain that the compass needle is magnetic.