Magnetic Rod

Here you have the opportunity to explore magnetism with a friend.

Go together on a magnetic hunt!

What is really magnetic? You can investigate this by using this magnetic rod. And it is much funnier when you can explore it with a friend! Find things to explore at home, outside or anywhere else you visit. What sticks to the magnetic rod is magnetic.

Magnetism is a natural force that works between things without being close together. That is, objects are drawn either to each other or pulled apart. Everything that is magnetic contains a substance called iron, nickel or cobalt. Did you know, for example, that our earth is a large magnet with a north pole and a south pole? In the bottom of the earth there is a core and this contains iron.

Try this!

How many clips do you manage to hang on the magnetic rod?

Go on a magnetic hunt!

When spring comes you can search for magnetic objects in nature.

Drag the magnet along the ground and see if anything sticks to it.

What does the story tell you about who’s been here before you?

Magic trick!

A little trick is to put small pieces of metal on a plastic tray, and then move the magnet rod under the tray. The magnetic metal pieces will move in the direction you control the rod. Its like real magic!