Third Grade · Science · week 4

Magnet exploration: poles

Explore that every magnet has two poles, north and south, and that opposite poles attract while like poles repel.

A magnet is an object that creates an invisible pushing and pulling force called magnetism. Every magnet, no matter its shape, has two ends called poles: a north pole and a south pole. The force is strongest right at the poles.

Poles follow one simple rule: opposite poles attract, meaning a north pole and a south pole pull toward each other, while like poles repel, meaning north-to-north or south-to-south push apart. You can feel this invisible push or pull before the magnets even touch.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Use two real magnets (bar magnets or strong fridge magnets) so the child can feel the invisible push before the magnets touch.
  • Have them flip one magnet around and predict what will happen before testing it.
  • Name the poles out loud every time: "that is north meeting south, so they attract."
  • If the magnets are unmarked, work together to figure out which ends match by testing attract and repel.
Talk about it:
  • What happens when you turn one magnet around?
  • How can you tell magnetic poles are pushing or pulling even before they touch?
  • What is the rule for which poles attract and which repel?

Mastery looks like: They can predict attract or repel from labeled poles and demonstrate the result with real magnets.

Common stumbles: Assuming all magnets always attract each other, or forgetting to check which specific poles are facing each other.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Science for this learner.
← Back to todayAll coursesYear planner