Discover How Magnetism Passes Through Materials: Fun Experiment for Kids!

Will Magnetism Pass Through Materials?

Are you ready to dive into the world of magnets and explore how magnetism works? This fun and simple project will help you discover if magnetism can pass through different materials. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

• A magnet
• Several paper clips or other small metallic objects
• A piece of string
• Cellophane tape
• A drinking glass
• A small piece of plywood
• A dishpan filled with water (about 3 inches deep)
• A book
• An empty can

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Testing Magnetism Through Glass

1. Place the paper clips inside the drinking glass.
2. Position the magnet directly beneath the glass, keeping it as near to the paper clips as you can.
3. Slowly move the magnet along the surface of the glass.

What happens?
The paper clips inside the glass follow the magnet’s movements, showing that magnetism can pass through glass.

Step 2: Testing Magnetism with a String

1. Secure one end of the string to a paper clip and attach the other end firmly to a table.
2. Lift the clip until the string is stretched tight.
3. Hold the magnet about ¼ inch from the clip and let go of the clip.
4. Move the magnet left and right, keeping it at the same distance. Gradually increase the distance.

What happens?
The clip remains stretched and steady as long as the magnet is nearby. But when the magnet is moved more than ½ inch away, the clip falls. This demonstrates that the force of magnetism decreases as the distance increases.

Step 3: Testing Magnetism Through Plywood

1. Place the paper clips on the plywood.
2. Hold the magnet on the underside of the plywood, directly beneath the clips.
3. Slowly move the magnet.

What happens?
The paper clips move along the plywood, proving that magnetism can pass through wood.

Step 4: Testing Magnetism in Water

1. Place the paper clips in the dishpan of water.
2. Submerge the magnet in the water and move it close (about ½ inch) to the clips.

What happens?
The clips are attracted to the magnet, even underwater, showing that water doesn’t block magnetism.

Step 5: Testing Magnetism Through a Book

1. Set the paper clips on top of the book’s front cover.
2. Hold the magnet against the back cover and move it slowly.
3. Next, try placing the magnet against the inside of the cover opposite the clips.

What happens?
The clips do not move when the magnet is on the back cover, but they follow the magnet’s movements when it’s placed closer, such as inside the front cover. This shows thicker materials can block weaker magnets.

Step 6: Testing Magnetism with a Can

1. Put the paper clips inside the empty can.
2. Move the magnet along the bottom and sides of the can.

What happens?
The clips move along the inside of the can, following the magnet’s movements on the outside.

What Did We Learn?

Magnetism can pass through materials like glass, wood, water, and even metal cans, as long as the material isn’t too thick. The strength of the magnet determines how far its force can reach. More powerful magnets can pull objects from farther away!

Fun Tip: Experiment More!

Try testing magnetism with other materials, like aluminum foil, plastic, or fabric. Which ones let magnetism pass through, and which ones block it?

This project is a fantastic way to understand the invisible yet powerful force of magnetism while having fun! 🚀