Objective

By the end of this lesson, the 4 year old homeschool student will be able to understand the basic concepts of magnets and their properties.

Materials and Prep

• Magnetic objects (e.g. paperclips, fridge magnets, small metal objects)
• A magnet
• A whiteboard or large sheet of paper
• Markers or crayons
• Optional: Books about magnets

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the properties of magnets and how they work.

Activities

• Activity 1: Magnetic or Not? - Gather a variety of objects and ask the student to predict whether each object is magnetic or not. Allow them to test their predictions using the magnet.
• Activity 2: Magnetic Art - Give the student a sheet of paper and markers or crayons. Encourage them to create a picture using the magnets as tools. They can move the magnets under the paper and watch as the iron filings create unique patterns on the surface.
• Activity 3: Magnetic Fishing - Fill a container with water and place several magnetic objects in it. Provide the student with a magnet attached to a string or a magnetic fishing rod. Let them "fish" for the objects using the magnet.

Talking Points

• "Magnets are special objects that can attract certain materials like metal."
• "Magnets have two ends called poles - a north pole and a south pole."
• "Opposite poles attract each other, while similar poles repel each other."
• "When a magnet attracts a metal object, it is using its magnetic force."
• "Not all objects are magnetic. We can test if an object is magnetic by seeing if it sticks to the magnet."
• "We can use magnets to create beautiful patterns and art."
• "We can also use magnets to go fishing for objects that are attracted to them."
• "Remember, magnets are special and can do amazing things, but they are not toys. Always handle them carefully."