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Magnetism Fun for Kids

© Lisa Hawkins

It is necessary to review the information previously posted regarding magnetism if you have not already. The scientists covered in last weeks article can be plotted on a timeline. The words proton, neutron and electron can be some of this weeks vocabulary words, along with friction, electromagnet and geographical poles.

I don't want the little ones to be left out of this study. Help younger kids Make Magnetic Paper Dolls and Towns.

Help them learn about magnets by cutting out shapes from construction paper. Cut two of each shape and then place a paper clip on each shape. Then tie a magnet onto a string. Place all the shapes on the ground, or in a large dish and have the kids fish out the matching shapes.

Give the little ones two containers and a magnet. Then place various metal objects on the table. Have them place all the magnetic objects in one container and all the non- magnetic objects in the other.

Help the little ones spell out their names with magnetic letters.

Let's learn about the different strengths of magnets. Gather a ruler, pin, paper, pen and several types of magnets. List all of the magnets on the paper. Now place the ruler on the table and place the pin at the zero end of the ruler. Next, starting at the opposite end of the ruler, slide the magnet along the ruler until the pin jumps onto the magnet. Note on the paper how many inches the magnet was away from the pin when the pin was attracted to the magnet. Do this for each of the magnets. Decide which of your magnets are the most powerful. The strongest magnet has the most magnetic force.

Another test of the magnetic field can be perfomed with a magnet, paper, cloth, cardboard and a paper clip. Let's discover if the magnetic force can go through objects. Place the paper clip onto a piece of paper. Now place the magnet under the paper and see if you can move the paper clip with the magnet. Now, try it with the other objects listed. How many pieces of paper can you put between the paper clip and the magnet before the force is broken? Make a guess and test to find the answer.

The magnetic field can go through objects, to a certain degree. Basically a magnetic force is the electrons flowing in the same direction. That cycle of electrons can go through quite a few layers before it is broken.

Magnets attract certain metals because all of the electrons in the magnet are going the same

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