Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
A magnet lifting a paper clip with a small gap of air between them, on a school desk.

Science / All lessons / Pushes, Pulls and Magnets

Magnets Reach Out

A force that works across a gap.

Lesson 15 of 41

Try this first

Before we start

Today’s story

Magnets Reach Out

Lila holds a magnet over a paper clip. The clip leaps up and sticks. She moves the magnet slowly away and the clip stays still. Closer, it jumps.

The magnet pulled the clip without touching it. That is a force at a distance. It gets weaker when the gap grows.

Magnets can also push. The steps show how a magnet works across a gap.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Reach across the gap

    25 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • Two bar magnets
    • Paper clips
    • Paper
    • A ruler
    • Cardboard
    • Pencil

    Do this

    1. Put a paper clip on the table.
    2. Slowly slide a magnet toward it.
    3. Measure the distance when it jumps.
    4. Put a sheet of paper between and try again.
    5. Try cardboard.
    6. Flip one magnet and bring it to the other.
    7. Write what you feel.
    Write or draw: A table with the distance and what happens through different things.

    Watch for: Notice the pull works through thin paper.

    Safety: Keep magnets away from computers, phones and cards. Do not swallow magnets.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Magnets act at a distance.

    They do not have to touch.

    Rule 2Opposite poles attract. Same poles repel.

    That is how they act.

    Rule 3Closer is stronger.

    Distance matters.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    magnet
    An object with poles that pulls on iron.
    attract
    To pull together.
    repel
    To push apart.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • What happened when you moved the magnet close? How do you know it was a force?
    • Where do you see magnets at home?
    Did you know

    Earth is like a giant magnet, which is why a compass needle points north.

    Someone who does this

    A repair worker uses magnets to pick up tiny steel screws.

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