Have fun with magnets: Make a compass! This free download for kids from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory provides all you need.
In this activity, you will make a magnet and see it respond to the bigger magnet
that is our planet. We show you two ways to do this.
This makes a great summer fun activity because it is simple, but very informative. It covers:
- North pole/south pole.
- What makes a magnet attract (or repel).
- Where does the earth’s magnetic field come from?
- Declination and its effects.
- The history of magnet use.
The experiment itself only requires 3 items.
Instead of the tutorial link in the download, try the PHET Lab for an interactive magnet!
Free Resource
- Make a Compass @ NationalMagLab.org
Additional Resources
10 Ways to Use Notebooking: #7 Science
While not getting too schooly, you can use notebooking pages to keep track of what is learned.
Learning About Magnets! ~ Free Activity Book
Free activity book for younger students that covers magnet basics, famous scientists, practical applications, and games. Also from the MagLab.
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