Go Magnet Fishing

Sep 12, 2018

00:00

Magnets are pieces of iron (or other metals) that have magnetic fields and are attracted to other iron-containing objects. We use magnets to hold loose papers or photographs on a refrigerator. Magnets can also be used to attach the corners of a shower curtain to a bathtub or to temporarily attach two parts of a toy together such as the two paws on a stuffed animal. Magnets also have much broader uses, such as in speakers, microphones, electric guitars, compasses, and large medical equipment. In this simple investigation, you and your child will explore small, common items in your house and determine if the magnet will stick to them.

Materials

Stick, about 8-12” long
String or yarn, about 12” long
Refrigerator or craft magnet
2 empty jars (or 2 medium sized plastic bowls)
1 large bowl or tray
Assortment of any small items from around your house (as appropriate to child’s age) to fill a large bowl or tray with magnetic and non-magnetic items; for example, rubber balls, feathers, paper clips, rocks, shells, sticks, utensils, jar lids, cotton balls, crayons, q-tips, small plastic toys, coins, measuring spoons, sponges, bottle caps, nuts and bolts, key rings, keys, tape, binder clips, plastic or magnetic letters, toy cars, shoelaces, markers, chalk, etc.

Directions

Start by talking with your child about the different ways you use magnets in your house. Where can you find them? What is their use?

Have your child try touching a magnet to a refrigerator or kitchen sink. What happens? Try touching the magnet to a couch or chair. What happens now?

Tie one end of the string to one end of the stick. Tie the other end of the string to a magnet. This creates your “fishing pole”.

Label your two jars. Label one jar with the words “Sticks to the magnet” and the other jar with “Does not stick to the magnet.”

Fill a large bowl or tray with an assortment of magnetic and non-magnetic items from around your house.

Have your child touch and feel each of the items. Predict whether the magnet will stick to each item.

Using the fishing pole that you made, lower the magnet end of the pole into the pile of items and then slowly pull the pole back out of the pile. Is anything stuck to the magnet? If so, carefully detach the item from the magnet and put it into the jar/bowl that is labeled “Sticks to the magnet.”

Go fishing again and again until you have tried to “catch” each item on the end of your fishing pole. For any items that stick, put them into the “Sticks to the magnet” jar. For any items that won’t stick, put them in the “Does not stick to the magnet” jar.

Talk about each item after they are sorted into the two jars. Were your predictions correct? Do you have more items that are magnetic (stick to the magnet) or more items that are not magnetic (don’t stick to the magnet)? What other items in your house can a magnet stick to? (Warning: avoid electronic items such as the television, computer, cell phone or stove.)

Activity Type

Craft

Topics