Magnets and Magnetism offer a ton of fun hands on science experiments that you can easily do in your home. Here we have collected some resources to help you along in your study of magnets and magnetism.

Magnets and Magnetism Facts

1. Magnets are objects that produce an area of magnetic force called a magnetic field.
2. Magnetic fields by themselves are invisible to the human eye.
3. Iron filings can be used to show magnetic fields created by magnets.
4. Magnets only attract certain types of metals, other materials such as glass, plastic and wood aren’t attracted.
5. Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets. Most metals however are not attracted to magnets, some of these metals include copper, silver, gold, magnesium, platinum, and aluminium.
6. Magnetism can attract magnetic objects or push them away.
7. Magnets have a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole. If the same pole of two magnets are placed near each other they will repel each other (push away), while if different poles are placed near each other they will attract (pull together).
8. Magnetic objects must be inside the magnetic field to respond, which is why you may have to move a magnet closer for it to have an effect.
9. Magnetic compasses use the Earth’s magnetic field to help navigate in north, south, east and west directions.

Printables & Hands On Activities

• Free Magnet Printables – includes coloring, crossword, vocabulary and more!
• Attract or Repel Activity – In this science worksheet your child learns about magnetic poles and determines whether pairs of magnets will attract or repel each other.
• Magnetism Lapbook – based on the Magic School Bus Chapter book Amazing Magnetism (Magic School Bus Chapter Book #12)
• You can also purchase The Magic School Bus Attracted to Magnificent Magnets Kit:

• Magnets Lapbook – Photos and ideas for a simple lapbook about magnets.  You can also download some of the templates for this at Homeschool Share (Scroll down to the “M” section and see “Magnets” where you will find little magnetic accordion books, pop-up and pull tab books.)
• Magnetism on YouTube – this is a list of great video resources that pertain to magnetism.
• Make a Magnetic Maze! – All you need is a piece of cardboard with a page protector glued to one side. Your printable maze of choice (these mazes from Mr. Printables are fun and free) a strong magnet and a paper clip.

We bought an Edu Science Know How? The Science of Magnetism to help us experiment with magnets.

Ava really wanted to make a compass and that is just one of the activities included in this kit. The kids started by playing “soccer” with magnets.

While Jayden continued with soccer, Ava moved on to figuring out how to make the car work in her favor!  Needless to say they both really enjoyed this kit and still have multiple projects left to explore.

More Hands On Science Fun