Sticking Together

Your kids may be surprised to hear the earth isn't the only thing with a North and South Pole. Magnets have them, too. In fact, magnets only stick together when the north pole of one touches the south pole of another. Kids can learn a lot about magnets by experimenting with some. If you don't have plenty stuck to the fridge, try buying the magnets at a hobby store.

Tell the kids their mission is to search the house for surfaces their magnets will stick to. Suggest they check the sofa, the washing machine and a doorknob. Meanwhile, put a variety of small objects, such as marbles, coins, keys, nails and chalk, in a box. Let the kids predict which ones their magnets will attract based on what they learned during the hunt. Will a dime work? A penny?

TEST A MAGNET'S STRENGTH

Have each child use a different-style magnet to pick up paper clips. The magnet that lifts the most is the strongest.

MAKE YOUR OWN MAGNET

Rub a paper clip against a magnet several times in the same direction. Now, use the end of the clip to attract another clip.