Attract and Repel
Teacher Notes
Concepts: (1) Opposite poles of magnets are attracted to each other and like poles
will repel each other. (2) Magnets exert forces. [2.2.2.2.1] (3) Magnetic forces
work over a distance. [6.2.2.2.3] (4) Magnetic forces work through some
materials.
Questions to get students thinking before the activity or to use after:
•What do two magnets do when brought close together?
•How are magnets used in toys and games?
•Why do magnets hold papers to the fridge even though paper doesn’t stick
to magnets? (Paper is one example of a magnetically transparent material.
Magnets can work through things that are magnetically transparent. This is
similar to the way glass is transparent to light. Light can “work through” glass.
Have the kids move a paperclip around on top of a piece of paper.)
Materials per group:
2 bar magnets are needed
paper clip (make sure it is a steel one, not a plastic one)
optional - game that uses magnets (fishing games, trains, Wooly Willy, etc.)
Procedure: No special methods are needed.
Observations/Results: Students will find that like poles (North and North or South and
South) repel each other. Opposite poles attract each other. Students should feel
the magnetic forces at work. A paper clip is attracted to both ends of the
magnet.
Games make use of the principles used in this activity. Some games use the fact
that materials are attracted to magnets (fishing games, Wooly Willy) others use
attraction or repulsion of magnetic poles (magnetic marbles, train connections).
These games make a fun way to sum up the magnet activities.
Summing Up:
1.What do poles of the same kind do to each other?
They push apart (repel).
2.What do different poles do to each other?
They come together (attract).
3.Which pole of a magnet attracts objects? Think carefully before you answer!
!
They both do!
After doing this activity, have your students read the article Magnets.
Attract and Repel
Materials: 2 bar magnets, paper clip
N
Procedure:
S
1. Set one bar magnet on the desk in front of you.
Look at the ends. One end is marked N. It is called
the North pole of the magnet.
2. The other end is marked S. It is called the South Pole
of the magnet.
3. Bring the North end of the second magnet close to
the North end of the first magnet. What happens?
4. Bring both South poles of the two magnets close.
What happens?
5. What do you think will happen when you bring a
North pole of one magnet to the South pole of the
second magnet? Check it out.
6. Predict: A paper clip will be attracted to
a. only the North pole of a magnet.
b. only the South pole of a magnet.
c. both poles of a magnet.
7. Test your prediction. Describe your results.
Summing Up:
1. What do poles of the same kind do to each other?
2. What do different poles do to each other?
3. Which pole of a magnet attracts objects? Think
carefully before you answer!