How do i show preschool kids how magnets work?

Question

a simple diagram would be nice...

Answer 1

We had a magnetic/non-magnetic work.  Students would select it and take it to a table or a rug.  They would lay out two cards.  One says "magnetic" and the other says, "Non-magnetic."

"If it's magnetic, the thing will go to the magnet."

We then test it out.

Of course, have the same amount of magnetic objects as non-magnetic objects to account for control of error.

Matt

Answer 2

You could always use iron filings to create a direct visualization of the magnetic field:

1) Place bar magnet under a sheet of plexiglass

2) Sprinkle iron filings on to plexiglass over magnet

3) Tap plexiglass gently to allow realignment of iron filings.

Note: Preschool kids should NOT be allowed to touch the iron filings as they can get filings into their eyes.

Answer 3

you tellem

Answer 4

Through exploration...it's the best way!  After some free exploration (We have the magnet set from Discount School Supply and it gets a lot of use!) I usually do something similar to what Matt mentioned.  I've mixed magnetic and non-magnetic and provided mats to sort them.  It's fun to do this in the water table as well or with other sensory material.