We investigate how magnets pull on magnetic materials, make predictions about which materials are magnetic, and record observations in a table.

Getting started

• Have you seen any magnets?
• Tell a friend where you have seen magnets.

There are many types of magnets. Some materials are magnetic and are pulled towards magnets. Materials not attracted to magnets are non-magnetic. We say that magnetic materials are attracted to magnets.

Anita has many types of magnets. Her magnet is pulling metal paper clips.

Think like a scientist — Which materials are magnetic?

Arun and Marcus test different materials using a magnet. Magnetic materials are attracted; non-magnetic materials are not.

Look at your results and try to see a pattern. Why are fridge magnets attracted to a fridge door but not to a wooden door?

Activity — Attracting metal paper clips

Shimna ties a metal paper clip onto string. She holds the string with the clip at the end and moves it towards a magnet. Predict what will happen, then test it yourself and draw the result.

Would you like science lessons where you just look at pictures? Or do you prefer lessons where you do things? Why?

Look what I can do!

• I can investigate how magnets pull on magnetic materials.
• I can make predictions about which materials are magnetic.
• I can record observations in a table.
• I can explain what happened and if my prediction was right.