Magnetic Materials
Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Magnetic Materials means observing magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials but not others. We will test attract/repel with two magnets, test household materials, then check a fresh object.”
Bring to the table
- Two fridge magnets (adult checks they are safe/clean)
- Test tray: paperclip, coin, plastic lid, fabric scrap, aluminum foil scrap
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Two magnets can attract or repel. A paperclip is attracted; a plastic lid is not.
Optional challenge. For Magnetic Materials, find one more kitchen object that is attracted and one that is not.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: attract/repel; materials tested; support used. This session samples magnetism, not mastery of every material.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceMagnetic materials practice
Predict which materials magnets attract and how magnets interact.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Magnet and Compass
Before you open · source notes
Magnet and Compass supports hands-on exploration for Magnetic Materials. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Magnet and Compass.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Demonstrate that magnets attract some materials (iron, steel, nickel) but not others (wood, plastic, copper)
- Show that two magnets can either attract (pull together) or repel (push apart)
- Test at least six objects and correctly predict which are magnetic
“Can your child test a magnet on different objects around the house and predict which ones will stick?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Forces & Motion
- Age range
- Ages 7–10
Standards