Magnets
Grade 1 · Science · Study Guide
Discover the invisible force of magnets — attraction and repulsion are like magic!
Magnets are fascinating objects that have an invisible force field around them. This invisible force can attract (pull toward) or repel (push away) certain objects without even touching them! Magnets attract objects made of iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt — but they do NOT attract objects made of plastic, wood, rubber, or most other materials.
Every magnet has two ends called poles. One end is called the North Pole and the other is the South Pole. Here is the fun part: opposite poles attract each other! If you put the North pole of one magnet near the South pole of another, they snap together. But if you put two North poles together, they push each other away — that is called repulsion.
Magnets are used in many things we use every day. Refrigerator doors, speakers, credit cards, compasses, and electric motors all use magnets! The Earth itself is like a giant magnet — that is how compass needles always point North.
| Magnetic (Attracted) | Not Magnetic (Not Attracted) |
|---|---|
| Iron nail | Plastic spoon |
| Steel paperclip | Wooden block |
| Nickel coin | Rubber band |
| Steel can | Glass bottle |
| Iron filing | Aluminum foil |
Key terms
- magnet
- An object that creates an invisible force field that attracts iron and steel objects.
- attract
- To pull toward; opposite magnetic poles attract each other.
- repel
- To push away; like magnetic poles (North-North or South-South) repel each other.
- poles
- The two ends of a magnet — called North Pole and South Pole — where the force is strongest.
- magnetic field
- The invisible area of force that surrounds a magnet and affects nearby iron objects.
Flashcards
- magnet
- An object with an invisible force that attracts iron and steel.
- attract
- Pull toward — opposite poles attract each other.
- repel
- Push away — like poles (N+N or S+S) repel each other.
- poles
- The two ends of a magnet (North and South) where the force is strongest.
- magnetic field
- The invisible area of force surrounding a magnet.
- compass
- A tool with a magnetic needle that always points North.
Practice questions
What materials do magnets attract?
- Plastic and wood
- Iron and steel
- Water and glass
- Rubber and cloth
Show answer
Answer: Iron and steel
Magnets attract ferromagnetic materials — primarily iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt. Plastic, wood, and rubber are non-magnetic.
Opposite poles of a magnet attract each other.
Show answer
Answer: True
Opposite poles (North-South) have magnetic fields that align and pull toward each other — this is magnetic attraction.
What happens when you put two North poles of a magnet together?
- They attract strongly
- They stick together
- They repel (push away)
- Nothing happens
Show answer
Answer: They repel (push away)
Like poles (N-N or S-S) have magnetic fields that oppose each other, creating a repulsive force that pushes them apart.
Earth acts like a giant magnet.
Show answer
Answer: True
Earth has a liquid iron core that generates a magnetic field extending from pole to pole — this is what compass needles align with.
The two ends of a magnet are called ___.
Show answer
Answer: poles
Every magnet has two poles — North and South — where the magnetic force is most concentrated and strongest.
Fun facts
- The Earth is a giant magnet! Its core is made partly of iron, creating a magnetic field that protects us from harmful solar radiation.
- Maglev trains use powerful magnets to float above the tracks with no friction — they can go over 370 miles per hour!
- Some animals like sea turtles and birds can sense Earth's magnetic field and use it as a built-in compass to navigate!
Get a personalized course on Magnets built around your child.