Magic Magnets

Magnets are great for kids to use-- safe, unbreakable, and non-toxic.

Objectives

Children ages 4 ½ years can tell what material objects are made of such as wood and glass Cog. I
ages 3-4 can group objects by one attribute and is able to tell why Lang. IIIA
ages 1 ½-2 years can identify objects by following simple directions Lang. IB
and all children participating will be able to follow eye-hand coordination’s and pick up small objects with a magnet

 

Materials

Good magnets of varied size and shape (one for each child); a variety of metal objects such as nails, bolts, paper clips, pins, etc.; a variety of non-metal objects such as rubber bands, crayons, pieces of cotton, paper, small blocks, etc.

Procedures

l. Seat children around a table with assorted objects (metal and nonmetal) in center. Give each child a magnet. Explain that the magnet will stick to and pick up certain objects. Demonstrate how to use the magnet by first picking up a metal object and then trying a nonmetal object.

2. Ask each child in turn to put the magnet on an object. Ask the others to try to predict whether or not the magnet will pick up the object.

3. After everyone has had several turns, discuss the attributes and properties of the objects the magnet picks up. Draw a chart with pictures of items that the magnet picks up and items it does not pick up.

4. Let children experiment on their own. Let them go around the room and find what the magnets stick to (door knobs, hinges, etc.). Add these to the chart.

NOTE: After you establish that magnets pick up or stick to metal, at least one kid will find a metal object that won't work. Be prepared to discuss this discovery when it occurs. Find the book!