Magnet Lessons - Opposites Do Attract

Magnets can be the basis for simple, scientific projects that can be motivating for your students. The objects involved can be manipulated, and interact with other materials. It is a perfect way to engage the kinesthetic learner.

Kits are the easiest way to get the materials to complete projects. Magnetic kits are readily available, and are usually the most comprehensive of any science kits. There are many online science sites that can ship a purchased item, or items, to your home. An educator who types the words "Magnet Kits" into a search engine will pull up several pages of different listings to be perused.

If you don't want to invest in a kit, the magnets scattered across a fridge, usually used to hold up reminders or children's artwork, are perfect for a parent in a pinch. Besides being readily available, the basic principles of magnetic forces can be demonstrated. Math skills, like sorting or pattern making, can be incorporated into the lessons as well. In this way you can engage younger siblings who are easily distracted with higher-level concepts.    

Magnets can be used in art activities as well. Clothespin Magnets is a cute project that allows younger students to fully participate. Children make letters with interesting decorations. Families can then practice spelling out their names, which is a great way for younger children to learn first names, especially those of their parents.

In Magnetic Poetry students can practice English and grammar concepts. Poetry encompasses the true essence of words. Sounds and combinations of words can be explored by moving around the adjectives, adverbs, nouns and verbs. This interactive activity can illuminate poetry as a discipline that allows full freedom of expression. It also demonstrates how changing a word can create a totally different meaning.

There are also numerous scientific lessons with magnets as the subject. Below are just a few of the many that can be found on Lesson Planet. It is fun to explore the possibilities with children, and discover that opposites really do attract.

Magnet Lesson Plans:

Exploring Magnetism In The Solar Wind is great lesson for advanced middle school to high school aged students. Students investigate magnetism and how it is used in space on space crafts. The activities have been devised by NASA.

Amazing Magnets shows how magnets repel each other. It is a fun demonstration, and neat to see.  This also incorporates the Core Knowledge Curriculum for those using that in their schooling.

Magnetic Levitation explores basic magnetism principles. The tools used to build a magnet are simple to assemble as well.

Magnetism and Electricity combine both concepts in a fun way. The unit is broken down into four lessons covering magnetism/electricity and the principles of an electromagnet.