---
title: "Magnetic Materials"
description: "Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/magnetic-materials-mt_9NvuqZKNiV
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/magnetic-materials-mt_9NvuqZKNiV.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Magnetic Materials

Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others

Subject: Science · Area: Forces & Motion · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/magnetic-materials-mt_9NvuqZKNiV

## Ready when they can

- 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

## Lesson: What Sticks to a Magnet

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.

*(drawing: Grace held a magnet near six things around her house. Four of them stuck. Two did not.)*

**Example.** 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.

**Tip.** 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.

One more metal belongs on the magnet's list: cobalt. And the stay-put list is longer than it looks. Glass and rubber never stick, and aluminum does not either, even though it shines like a magnetic metal.

**Recap.** Magnets pull iron, steel, and nickel but not wood, plastic, or copper, and two magnets can either attract or repel.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Contact & Non-Contact Forces](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/contact-and-non-contact-forces-mt_lcf8lx-LkZ)
- [Naming Everyday Materials](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/naming-everyday-materials-mt_ZAJvTcroFO)

## Opens up

- [Magnetic Poles](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/magnetic-poles-mt_jgNB2752b9)