Magnets
Dear Families,
Our class is beginning a science unit about magnets. In science, we learn by doing so we will be exploring and experimenting with a lot of fun stuff! We will learn to question, wonder, and discover, just like scientists! Through various discoveries the students will learn that a magnet is a very special metal. When a magnet goes near a special kind of metal or other magnet, and the poles (sides) touching are opposite, it will pull (attract) the other metal or magnet closer. Also, if the two poles are the same, the two magnets will push away (repel) each other. We will learn about different interesting places that magnets are found, such as, telephones, stereos, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, televisions and many more things!
Big Learning Goals
- Magnets are used in everyday life.
- Magnets attract and repel each other.
- Magnets exert an unseen force that makes some things move without touching.
New Vocabulary
- Magnetism
- Attract
- Repel
- Push
- Pull
- North Pole
- South Pole
Explore with Magnets at Home!
- Using a refrigerator magnet, how many items can you find at home that are attracted or repelled to the magnet?
- Magnetic Fishing: Fill your kitchen sink with water. Drop nuts, bolts, and paper clips in the water. Make a fishing pole: tie a string to a stick. Attach a small (donut hole) magnet to the end of the string. Let your child go fishing. Have your child place the items into groups as they catch them.
We are very excited about the activities we have planned. Finally, we could use your help in the classroom. Do you or any other family members have a particular interest or special experience with this topic? We would love to have volunteers come in to share their expertise with the children. Please write me a note or e-mail me if you are interested and available.
Sincerely,
Claire Ashley
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