Give the students time to explore while reminding them they should predict before testing. Discuss the results. Generally magnets are only attracted to materials containing iron or steel such as paper clips, staplers, pins, thumb tacks etc. If you have time, students can test magnet strength by seeing how many paper clips can be picked up by one magnet, or how many pieces of paper a magnet will still work through. Students work cooperatively and share equipment.
Students follow directions and record their results.
Math Sorting Other Sciences Identification of properties Extensions and Applications Make a magnet-based toy. Go on a magnet hunt around your home. Find out how magnets are used with electricity to create fast moving trains. Make a Math Facts fishing game with facts on paper glued to paper clips and magnets on thread attached to poles. Related Student Literature Janice Van Cleave's Magnets , mind-boggling experiments you can turn into science fair projects by Janice Van Cleaves.