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WORKSHOP Magnetism

Outreach Workshop: Magnetism

Use magnets to perform tasks and learn basic magnet vocabulary. Explore how magnets work and how we use them in our daily lives.



Register for an Outreach Workshop today!

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, Science v.1.09

  • Identify materials that are attracted by magnets. (P.PM.01.31)
  • Observe that like poles of a magnet repel and unlike poles of a magnet attract. (P.PM.01.32)
  • Demonstrate magnetic field by observing the patterns formed with iron filings using a variety of magnets. (P.PM.04.33)
  • Describe the Earth as a magnet and compare the magnetic properties of the Earth to that of a natural or manufactured magnet. (E.SE.06.61)
  • Explain how a compass works using the magnetic field of the Earth, and how a compass is used for navigation on land and sea. (E.SE.06.62)

Magnetism Pre-visit Vocabulary

Aluminum: A light, silver-white, metal that is not magnetic.

Attract: A pulling force.

Copper: A reddish brown metal that is not magnetic.

Core: The center of the earth, composed of iron and nickel.

Ferromagnetic: Any metal that is attracted to magnets.

Iron: A hard, silvery-gray, magnetic metal, found in rocks and in red blood cells.

Magnet: A solid object that attracts certain metals, for example iron or steel.

Magnetic: Ability to attract certain metals.

Nickel: A hard, silvery-white magnetic metal found in rocks and meteorites.

Non-magnetic: An object that does not attract metals.

Poles: Opposite ends of a magnet.

Repel: A pushing force.

Magnetism Post-visit Activity


Hands-on Activity: Make a Compass


  • Steel sewing needles (if you have a sufficiently strong magnet, you can use a small paperclip)
  • Tape
  • Bar magnets
  • Shallow plastic containers
  • Dish soap
  • Thin slices of cork (available in sheets at hardware or building supply stores)
  • Water


  1. Rub the bar magnet across the needle at least 30 times in one direction only. Start at the hole end and rub towards the point end.
  2. Fill the container with water and place a drop of dish soap in the center.
  3. Lay the needle across the center of the cork. Attach with tape.
  4. Float the cork slice in the center of the container.
  5. Spin it very gently if necessary. When it stops, it should point north.
  6. Hold the bar magnet near the needle, but not touching. Rotate the bar magnet and see what happens to the compass.


A compass is a tool used to find directions. It can help people figure out which way to go when they are traveling.

By rubbing the needle with the bar magnet, you made the needle a temporary magnet. By floating it in the water, you created a compass. A compass is a free-floating magnet.

Planet Earth acts like a huge weak bar magnet. It has a magnetic field around it and it has a North and South Pole. The needle of a compass always points toward magnetic north.

Suggested Resources


Fowler, Allan. What Magnets Can Do. Children’s Press, Chicago, IL. 1995.
Rowe, Julian and Molly Perham. Amazing Magnets. Children’s Press, Chicago, IL. 1994.
Vecchione, Glen. Magnet Science. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc, NY. 1995.


The Exploratorium Teacher Institute — Magnetism
The Exploratorium Teacher Institute — Magnets
Canada Science and Technology Museum — Magnets
Canada Science and Technology Museum — Lesson Plan Ideas

WORKSHOP Magnetism


Library, School

50 minutes

PreK, K-2nd, 3-5th, 6-8th


Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Sciences