BuilderGrade 3⏱ 12 min
Magnets
Slide two magnets together: opposite poles attract, the same poles repel. Then test which things stick to a magnet.
Standards: 3-PS2-33-PS2-4
1Wonder
A magnet can hold a picture on the fridge without glue, and push another magnet without touching it. How can it pull or push through thin air?
2Explore
This activity needs a bigger screen
Turn your phone sideways, or open this lesson on a tablet or computer. The explanation and quiz below work here.
What to do
Try this
- Drag the right magnet close to the left one and let go. What happens?
- Press Flip the right magnet and try again. What changed?
- Watch the arrows as you slide the magnet closer. When is the push or pull strongest?
- Turn on Show the magnetic field. Where are the lines closest together?
- Choose Test things. Which things stick? Are all metal things magnetic?
3Explain
Step 1 of 6
Every magnet has two poles
A magnet has a north pole (N) and a south pole (S). The pull is strongest at the poles.
Magnets
Opposite poles attract, same poles repel. The force gets stronger as magnets get closer, and it acts without touching. Magnets attract iron and steel.
4Practice
Question 1 of 5
These two magnets face each other. What will they do?
5Recap
- Magnets have a north and a south pole.
- Opposite poles attract; the same poles repel.
- Magnets push and pull without touching, more strongly when closer.
- Magnets attract iron and steel, not wood, plastic or aluminum.