Activity 1: Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

Catagory: Magnetism

Target group: children from 4 to 6 years

Aim:

Where: Gruppenraum,

Forscherlabor, Nebenraum

How long:: ca 35 Minuten

What: Handling magnets in experiments

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.

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".

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