Magnetism is an invisible force. It pulls metal objects which are magnetic towards a magnet. There are lots of different types of

magnets. These include…..

horseshoe magnets,

bar magnets and…

circular magnets.

All magnets have two poles – a South pole and a North pole. You can see them marked on

these pictures.

North pole

South pole

North pole

South pole

North pole

South pole

Poles that are different attract each other. This means the invisible magnetic force will

pull the poles together like this.

Poles that are the same do not attract each other. These will repel. This means they will push each other apart and will not touch or attract each other at all.

Attract and repel are opposites.

Some metals are magnetic. Objects made of these metals are attracted to a magnet. Just because an object is made from metal does

not make it magnetic.

This can is made from aluminium.

Will it be attracted to the

magnet if we put it underneath?

The aluminium can is not

attracted to the magnet.

Aluminium is a metal but it is not magnetic.

This nail is made from iron. Will

this be attracted to the magnet if

we put it underneath?

The nail is attracted to the magnet because

iron is a magnetic metal.

Let’s look at some other objects. Can you guess which ones will be magnetic?

A paper clip

Yes! It’s magnetic

A knife

This knife is made of

steel, which is magnetic.

A pencil

The pencil is not made

from a magnetic material .

A ball

This ball is made of

rubber and is not

magnetic.

A screw

The screw is made from

iron, just like the nail.

Now, let’s see what you can remember about magnetism.

Are all magnets the same shape?

No. There are lots of different types.

Here are some of them.

horseshoe magnets,

bar magnets and…

circular magnets.

What do all magnets have?

All magnets have a North pole and a South pole.

South pole

North pole

What do different poles do ?

Different poles

attract.

What do poles that are the same do ?

Poles that are the same

repel.

Are all metals magnetic ?

No. Only some metals are magnetic

Aluminium is not magnetic.

Iron is magnetic.

Produced by Bev Evans, 2006.

PCS images -©Mayer-Johnson