Discover how magnets attract and repel objects using invisible forces! Learn about magnetic poles, what materials magnets stick to, and how pushes and pulls shape our world.
Learning Goals
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
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Explain what a force is and how magnets create pushes and pulls
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Identify which materials a magnet attracts
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Describe the two poles of a magnet and how they attract or repel
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Give real-life examples of magnets at work
Before You Start
Before this lesson, you should know:
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You should know that objects can move when pushed or pulled
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You should be able to name common materials like metal, plastic, and wood
Here are a few things that will help you understand this lesson.
Key Words
Important words to know for this lesson:
Force
A push or a pull that can make something move, stop, or change direction.
Magnet
An object that can pull certain metals toward it without touching them.
Attract
To pull toward. Magnets attract objects made of iron or steel.
Repel
To push away. Two magnets can push each other apart.
Pole
The end of a magnet where its pull is strongest. Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole.
The Magic of Magnets 🧲
A force is a push or a pull, and a magnet is a special object that can push or pull certain metals even without touching them!
Forces are pushes and pulls: Every time you kick a ball or open a door, you use a force. Magnets create forces you cannot even see!
Magnets attract some metals: Magnets pull on objects made of iron, steel, nickel, or cobalt. They do not pull on plastic, wood, paper, or glass.
Every magnet has two poles: The two ends are called the north pole and the south pole. This is where the magnet's pull is strongest.
Opposite poles attract, same poles repel: A north pole and a south pole pull together. But two north poles (or two south poles) push each other away!
Example
If you hold a magnet near a steel paperclip, the paperclip jumps toward the magnet! But if you hold it near a plastic button, nothing happens. That is because the force only works on certain metals.
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This diagram shows how opposite poles of magnets pull together while same poles push apart.
Let's Try It Together!
Basic
You have a magnet and a pile of objects: a paper clip, a plastic spoon, and a steel nail. How many of these objects will the magnet attract?
Let's Try a Harder One!
Intermediate
Two bar magnets are placed near each other. The north pole of one faces the north pole of the other. Will they push apart or pull together? What if you flip one magnet so north faces south?
Your Turn to Practice
Try this one yourself — use the hint if you get stuck:
You roll a toy car with a magnet on the front toward a fridge door, a glass window, and a wooden chair. Which surfaces will make the car stick, and which will not?
In the Real World
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Magnets on your fridge hold up drawings and photos without any tape!
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Many cabinet doors use tiny magnets to snap shut and stay closed.
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A compass uses a magnet to always point north, helping people find their way.
Quick Check
Test your understanding — tap an answer to check:
Q1.Which of these will a magnet stick to?
Q2.What happens when you bring two north poles together?
Q3.A force is...
Challenge Question
Optional
Stretch your brain — this one's a bit harder!
You have two bar magnets. When you put them end to end, they pull together and stick. Then you flip ONE magnet around and try again. What happens now, and why?
Key Takeaways
1.A magnet is an object that can pull on things made of iron or steel.
2.Every magnet has two poles: a north pole and a south pole.
3.Like poles push apart (repel), and opposite poles pull together (attract).
4.A force is a push or a pull, and magnets create forces even without touching!
Printable Cutouts
Matched to this lesson — untick anything you don't need, then print.
AI matched
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Ready to Practice?
Now that you've learned Magnets & Forces, put it to the test with a quick quiz!