How Do Magnets Work?

Are you looking for an easy way to teach your child about magnets? We’ve put together a set of free materials that parents and teachers can use right away. In this lesson, your child will dive into the fascinating world of magnetism.

We’ll explore how magnetic poles interact and how the Earth acts as one giant magnet. Explore science in a more engaging way with captivating 3D videos and interactive quizzes. Download our app to get started!

What You Will Learn From This Lesson

How do magnets attract?

Magnets attract objects made of magnetic materials such as iron and steel. However, they do not attract other items like paper or glass. Every magnet always has two poles: a south pole and a north pole. If a magnet is broken into two parts, it does not lose its properties; instead, a new north pole and south pole will form on each piece.

The interaction between magnets depends on which poles are brought together. When opposite poles are brought close, such as a north pole and a south pole, they attract each other and stick together.

When similar poles are brought together, they repel each other. This force of repulsion can even be used to make objects float.

Is Earth like a giant magnet?

The Earth functions like a huge bar magnet because it has its own magnetic field. This magnetic field is incredible because it shields the planet from harmful space particles, protecting all life on Earth. It is also responsible for shaping beautiful natural sights like the aurora.

The south and north poles of Earth’s internal magnet are almost opposite to the geographical poles. This magnetic field is used by many living things to find their way.

• Migratory birds: These animals detect the magnetic field to navigate during travel.
• Sea turtles: Turtles use Earth’s magnetism to navigate through the ocean.
• Compasses: A compass needle aligns with the magnetic field to help people determine direction.

Fun Fact

• The beautiful aurora lights are actually shaped by the Earth’s magnetism.
• Magnets are the “secret muscles” inside your refrigerator door that keep it pulled shut tight.
• A U-shaped magnet is a “super-picker” because its North and South poles are right next to each other.
• You can find tiny magnets inside your phone’s speakers that use “push and pull” to vibrate and make sound.
• No matter where you are on Earth, the little needle will always point toward the North Pole.

Vocabulary

• Magnetism: The fascinating physical property that allows certain objects to attract specific materials and interact through invisible force fields.
• Magnetic Poles: The two ends of every magnet, known as the North Pole and the South Pole, where the magnetic force is strongest.
• Attract: The action that occurs when opposite poles (North and South) are brought together, causing them to pull toward each other and stick.
• Repel: The action that occurs when similar poles (North and North, or South and South) are brought together, pushing each other away.
• Magnetic Field: An invisible area of force around a magnet; the Earth possesses a giant magnetic field that protects the planet from harmful space particles.
• Magnetic Materials: Specific substances, such as iron and steel, that are pulled toward magnets, while materials like glass or paper are not.
• Compass: A tool with a needle that aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field to help people determine their direction.
• Aurora: Beautiful natural light displays in the sky that are shaped and influenced by the Earth’s magnetism.