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Description

https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/marvellous-magnets/

Experiments with magnets.

Resources

Pens or pencils
Scrap paper
Scissors
Sticky tape
String
Magnets
Paper clips
Large bucket
Clear pots or bottles (with lids)
Selection of small objects (Some magnetic and some not; for example, paperclips, buttons, beads, tinfoil, elastic bands)

Instructions

Magnet predictions
You will need: A selection of small objects (some magnetic and some not) and magnets.

Everyone should take it in turns to choose an object from the pile, show it to the group, and predict whether the magnet will be attracted to it or not.
The rest of the group could say whether they agree with the prediction, or everyone could make a prediction together.
Everyone should take it in turns to use a magnet to test their predictions. Everyone should talk about each of the results – some might be surprising. Steel drinks cans, for example, are attracted to magnets, but aluminium cans aren’t!

Magnet fishing
You will need: Paper fish, pens, scissors, sticky tape or string, magnets, paperclips and a bucket.

Make at least 20 fish by cutting them out of paper.
We’ve included a template that can use if you want.
Write a number between one and five on each fish to show how many points they’re worth.
Make the rods by taping or tying string to a pencil, leaving about 40cm of string dangling at the end of the pencil. Wrap the end of the string around a magnet a few times, then secure it with tape.
Everyone should attach paperclips to the paper fishes’ mouths.
Place the fish into a large bucket. This is the pond.
Everyone should use a fishing rod to catch as many fish as they can in 60 seconds.
If the groups are big, people may need to take it in turns to have a go at fishing.
The helper at the experiment should help everyone to count how many points they’ve earned (the number on each fish shows how many points it’s worth). The one with the most points is the winner.
People could play in small teams, and the helper could add together the points of each team’s members.
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Magic magnet jar
You will need: Clear pots or bottles (with lids), water, paperclips and magnets.

Each team should get a pot or bottle, and fill it with water, and put a paperclip into it. They should then put the lid on tightly.
Everyone should watch the paperclip sink to the bottom of the pot or bottle.
Everyone should use a magnet to move the paperclip to the top of the pot or bottle, without touching the water. They should put the magnet on the outside of the pot or bottle near the paperclip, then slowly and gently slide the magnet up to the top. If they do it carefully enough, the magnet will bring the paperclip along with it.
The helper may need to give people hints, and people may need to try a few times to get the paperclip to the top.
Could try adding two or three paperclips to the bottle and see how many they can move with the magnet.

Tags

• experiement
• Indoor activity
• Magnets
• teams

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