Activity 4: Magnetic and non-magnetic materials |
Catagory: Magnetism / cassette recorder |
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Target group: children from 4 to 6 years |
Aim: |
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Where: Gruppenraum, Forscherlabor, Nebenraum |
How long:: ca 35 Minuten |
What: Handling magnets in experiments |
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Preparation: Material: Basket of
magnets, different materials. Two identical magnets on which the
different poles are marked |
Steps: Steps: In the centre of the
room or on a table there is a basket of magnets. The children will
try to describe the magnets and say what they are. The
children are asked to collect those materials in the room which are attracted
by magnets. Afterwards they collect materials which are not attracted. The
children compare the materials that they have found among each other and
think about which materials are being attracted and which ones are not
attracted. The children name the materials and arrange them into magnetic and
non-magnetic materials. With the help of the nursery school teacher they
realize that materials that contain iron are attracted by the magnet. The children get two
identical magnets on which the different poles are marked. They experiment
with the magnets and experience that identical poles repel each other and
different poles attract eacher other. In conclusion the nursery school
teacher leads a short discussion with the children. Remarks: During free play the
children can experiment further with the materials. Movement or off-the-cuff
games that relate to the topic can be invented and developed. |
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Scientific explanation: Magnets attract all
articles made of iron or steel. The spots where the
magnet is strongest are called poles. Identical magnetic poles
repel each other, different ones attract each other |
Possible variations: Contents
could be offered in two activities for younger children. Older children could
create a collage about "magnetic and non-magnetic materials". |
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Note: Younger children should not
be pushed too hard by explanations, it is enough
if they handle and experiment with the material. |
Resources: Ardley, Neil: Spannende Experimente aus Natur und Technik.
Bindlach 1998 |
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