Quick Magnetism Experiments
Before we begin our magnetism unit, let's do some fun experiments to set the mood. These experiments only take minutes, and use household items. Sometimes it is easier to introduce a subject to the younger kids, by making it a hands on experience from the start. Starting the study off with a long discussion on magnetism, my turn the kids off. These experiments can be referred to later, when the study is in full force.
The first experiment is an example of magnetism, and what our bodies need to stay healthy. When kids hear about our bodies needing iron, many times they don't realize that the iron the commercials speak of, is regular 'ole iron. MMMMmmmMMM, just makes you want to rush out a lick a piece of metal, huh?
Iron In Your Cereal Bowl?
You will need:
- Cereal Bowl
- Total Brand Cereal
- Spoon
- Powerful Magnet
- Water
- Curious Kids
- Place 1/2 cup of cereal into the bowl.
- Crush the cereal into small pieces with the spoon.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the bowl of crushed cereal.
- Stir well.
- Now, the fun part. Stir up the cereal with the magnet.
- Stir it really well.
- Turn the magnet upside down and examine it.
- You will observe tiny pieces of iron standing up on top of the magnet, like little trees.
Explain to the kids that this is regular 'ole iron. This is the same iron that big machines are made from. Our bodies need iron, so we can stay healthy.
Magnets attract iron. Magnets will stick to anything that contains a fair amount of iron. Our bodies do not contain very much iron, so magnets do not stick to us.
Magnetic Force -vs- Gravitational Force
You will need:
- Plain Paper
- Paper Clip
- String
- Tape
- Assorted Magnets
- Cut a butterfly, airplane, or bird shape, out of a piece of paper.
- Decorate the shape, with markers, or glitter, if you like.
- Tie a 1 foot piece (now would be a good time to ask the little ones if they know how many inches are in a foot), onto the paper clip.
- Tape the loose end of the string to a table, or counter.
- Slip the paperclip onto the top of the paper shape.
- Use the magnet to raise the shape off the surface.
- Try to raise the shape without actually touching the magnet to the paper clip.
- If the shape does not raise, try a more powerful magnet.
The magnet is using its magnetic force to pull the paper clip, and shape up. The earth is using its gravitational force to pull the shape down.
By having a collection of magnets, the kids can make predictions regarding which
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Quick Magnetism Experiments in Homeschool Science is owned by . Permission to republish Quick Magnetism Experiments in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
