Magnets for Kids: What Do Magnets Attract? (Kindergarten to Grade 2 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are exploring magnets. A magnet can pull on some things without even touching them. It almost feels like magic, but it is science!

When a magnet pulls something toward it, we say the magnet attracts it. Paper clips, nails and steel pins jump right onto a magnet! Fridge magnets stick because many fridge doors are made of steel.

But magnets do not attract everything. Wood, plastic, paper, glass and rubber are not attracted. Even some metals, like aluminum foil, do not stick. Magnets attract things made of iron or steel.

Every magnet has two ends called poles, a north pole and a south pole. If you put a north pole near a south pole, they pull together and snap. Opposite poles attract.

But if you put north near north, or south near south, they push each other away. You can feel them pushing back! Same poles repel. Repel means push apart.

Magnets can even pull through some things. Put a paper clip on top of a sheet of paper and move a magnet underneath. The clip follows along! A magnet can also pull through plastic and water.

Now it's your turn. Will a magnet pick up a steel spoon or a wooden spoon? Pause and try. The steel spoon! Steel is attracted to magnets, but wood is not.

Great job! Remember, magnets attract iron and steel, but not wood, plastic or paper. Opposite poles attract and same poles repel. Practice magnets in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!