Magnetic Materials
Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
What a learner can do afterwards
- Demonstrate that magnets attract some materials (iron, steel, nickel) but not others (wood, plastic, copper)
- Show that two magnets can either attract (pull together) or repel (push apart)
- Test at least six objects and correctly predict which are magnetic
The lesson
You already know a magnet can push or pull without touching a thing. But a magnet does not pull on everything nearby. It only pulls on a few special materials, like iron, steel, and nickel. Wood, plastic, and copper stay right where they are, no matter how close the magnet gets.
Zoe holds two magnets close together. They snap together on their own. That is called attract. Then Zoe flips one magnet around and brings them close again. This time they push apart. That is called repel.
To test an object, hold your magnet close and let go. If it does not move on its own, it is not magnetic. Do not guess by looks alone. Copper and aluminum are shiny metals too, but a magnet will not pull them.
Magnets pull iron, steel, and nickel but not wood, plastic, or copper, and two magnets can either attract or repel.
Watch it
Where it sits
Learn first
This opens up
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.