Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic concepts of magnets, including how they attract and repel objects.

Materials and Prep

• A bar magnet
• A few small metal objects (paperclips, coins, etc.)
• A piece of string
• A piece of paper
• A pencil
• A small container of water

No prior knowledge or preparation is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Explore Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion

Take the bar magnet and observe how it attracts the small metal objects. Try attracting different objects and see if they stick to the magnet. Then, experiment with repelling objects by placing the magnet close to them without touching. Observe how the objects move away from the magnet.

2. Create a Magnetic Fishing Game

Tie the string to the pencil and attach a paperclip to the other end of the string. Place the paper with drawings of fish on the floor. Use the magnet as a fishing rod and try to catch the paperclip "fish" by attracting it with the magnet.

3. Experiment with Magnetic Water

Fill the small container with water and float the bar magnet on the surface. Observe how the magnet interacts with the water. Try moving the magnet around and see if the water reacts differently in different areas.

Third Grade Talking Points

• "Magnets are objects that can attract or repel certain materials."
• "When a magnet attracts an object, it pulls it towards itself."
• "When a magnet repels an object, it pushes it away."
• "Not all objects are attracted to magnets. Only certain materials, like iron or steel, are magnetic."
• "Magnets have two ends called poles: a North pole and a South pole."
• "Opposite poles attract each other, while like poles repel each other."
• "Magnets can also attract or repel other magnets."
• "Magnets can even interact with water, causing it to move or behave differently."