This document provides instructions for an investigation into which materials are magnetic. Students are given a list of common objects and materials to test with magnets. They are asked to predict whether each item will be attracted to or repelled by the magnet before testing. The purpose is to help students learn that magnets attract certain metals like iron but not other materials. They will then answer questions about their observations.

1. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
Subject: Science
Grade: VI
Topic: Magnetism
1

2. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
2
Do you know why the crane was able to separate iron junk from
other waste material?
Why was only the iron junk attracted by the block?

3. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
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Investigating Magnetism
Some materials are magnetic and others are not. You are going to predict and
then investigate which materials are magnetic and which are not.
You will need:
• A pencil
• Pennies
• A book
• Paperclips
• A drinking bottle
• A glass jar with a lid
• A wooden ruler
• Pair of scissors
• A drink can
• Safety pin
• A wooden spoon
• A scarf
• Hairgrips/slides
• A range of magnets
Magnets and Materials Investigation Recording Sheet

4. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
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Your Investigation
You need to make sure your investigation is a fair test. That means you
only change one part of the investigation when testing something. In this
case, you will change the material you are testing.
Instructions
1. Arrange the objects in front of you.
2. Write the names of the objects on the recording
sheet.
3. Before testing each object, think about whether it will
be attracted or not attracted to the magnet, or
repelled.
This is called making a prediction. Write your
prediction
in the correct column.
4. Test your prediction and write down your
observations.
5. Write a conclusion at the end of the investigation.

5. Magnetism
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The Dancing Paperclip
Make the paperclip dance
across the table without
touching it.
• some
paperclips
Task:
Describe what you
would do with this
equipment to make the
paperclip dance.
Instructions:
Equipment:
• a table
• a magnet

6. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
6
Attract or Repel
Look at the list of objects
below and decide whether they
will be attracted or repelled by
a magnet:
Use this Venn diagram to
help you sort out your
ideas.
• paperclip
• a rubber cork
• a rubber
• a plastic pen
• a drawing pin
• an aluminium can
• some iron fillings
It will be
attracted by
the magnet
It will not be
attracted by
the magnet
I’m
not
sure

7. Magnetism
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Building upon the activity the students will be asked
the following questions-
Q - Did all the materials stick to the magnet stick?
Q - Is there anything common in all the objects that
were attracted to magnets?
Q - What are the materials which got attracted to
magnets?

8. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
8
Magnetic poles of a broken magnet
If broken
If broken If broken

9. Magnetism
CB/VI/2122 of 9
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Properties of a magnet
Iron filings
Bar
magnet