A Science Project: How to Find Iron in Objects by Using Magnets

Using everyday objects, such as paper clips, provides a simple lesson in magnetism.

The concept of a magnet is easy for most children to understand: some objects stick to a magnet, others do not. You can tell students that magnets attract materials that contain iron. But showing them creates a lesson that is more meaningful --- and a whole lot more fun. Science experiments using magnets require only two essential items: a magnet and your imagination. How you craft your particular magnet demonstration depends on the age of your students and the extent of your resources.

Things You'll Need

• Magnets
• Metal objects
• Iron filings
• Paper

Instructions

Test the Magnetism of Everyday Objects

1. Provide each student a magnet and several everyday items. Paper clips, coins, nuts and bolts, nails, aluminum foil, pens, pencils and paper work well. Point out that magnets only stick to objects that contain iron.

2. Tell the students to test their magnets on the objects to see if the items contain iron.

3. Ask the students to share their results.

4. Discuss the students' results. Explain that not every metal is magnetic --- for example, foil --- and that an item only needs to contain some iron to be magnetic.

Make a Picture With Iron Filings

1. Demonstrate iron's magnetism by making a picture. Individuals of a certain age will remember "Wooly Willy," a simple toy that consisted of a picture of a bald man encased in a clear, plastic cover containing iron filings. A magnetic wand allowed you to move the filings around on Willy's face and make him "woolly." Recreate this experience for your students to show that iron is attracted to magnetic fields.

2. Provide each student a magnet or magnets, a piece of paper and iron filings.

3. Tell the students to place their magnets under the piece of paper, arranging them in a design, if desired.

4. Direct students to carefully sprinkle their iron filings onto the paper, and watch as the iron filings "magically" move on the paper to reflect the pattern made by the magnets.

5. Discuss how and why the iron filings were attracted to the magnetic fields.

6. Experiment with different magnets to show how some magnetic fields are more powerful than others.

Tips & Warnings

• Younger students may enjoy testing the magnetism of everyday objects by "fishing" for them with a pole outfitted with a magnet.

• A plastic page protector, sealed with tape, is handy for storing iron filings for future use.

• Avoid getting iron filings in eyes, as these tiny bits of metal have sharp edges.

References

• Home Science Tools: Magnets & Magnetism
• Child of the 1980s: Wooly Willy Magnetic Face Creator
• Brain Pop Jr.: Magnets