Magnets attract some materials — Physical education, 4–6 years
A magnet can pull certain objects without touching them, but it does not attract everything. Testing objects reveals a useful difference between materials.
A pull without a touch
A magnet can pull some objects towards it even when there is a small gap. Paper clips, some screws and iron objects may move towards a magnet. Wood, paper and most plastic objects usually do not move towards it.
Why people tested magnets
People noticed that a strange stone called lodestone could pull certain pieces of metal. Testing showed that this was not a pull on every material. Knowing what magnets attract helps us sort objects and make things that hold, close or move parts without glue.
Testing five objects
Place a magnet beside a paper clip, a wooden stick, a steel spoon, a plastic brick and a coin. Bring it close to each object without touching. The paper clip and steel spoon move towards it, but the stick, brick and coin do not. This is evidence that not every metal object is attracted.
Magnets do not attract everything
A common guess is that a magnet attracts every metal object. That seems reasonable because many familiar metal objects, such as paper clips, do move towards one. But aluminium foil, copper coins and some other metals may not be attracted, so always test rather than guess.
Magnets around us
Magnets help a cupboard door stay closed, hold a drawing on a magnetic board and guide a compass needle. They are also inside speakers, some toys and electric machines. These uses work because the magnet can attract or push in a controlled way.
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