EXPERIMENTING WITH MAGNETS

Dear Parents,

We introduced our unit on magnets by reading My Magnet, Experimenting with Magnets, and What is a Magnet? We then used our Magnet Testing Chart to see what attracted to magnets and what repelled from magnets. We also learned that for something to be attracted to a magnet it must contain iron or steel.  Aluminum, plastic and cardboard are not attracted to magnets.

The children each created a wooden boat by drilling a hole into a piece of wood.  They took a wooden dowel and inserted it inside the hole to make the mast. Then, they cut and decorated a sail, which we laminated and attached to the boat. The children not only enjoyed constructing the boats but propelling them into the water using magnetic wands.

 The children then walked around the with their magnetic wands and tested various items to see which attracted and which repelled the magnet.  The children tested the magnets and found that the magnet:  
~Ariel- was attracted to the chain
~Bodie- repelled the key
~Brady- repelled the measuring spoon
~Britta-  was attracted to the chair leg
~Darius- was attracted to the bobbin
~David-  was attracted to the bobbin
~Idris-  was attracted to the chain
~Karsin- repelled the measuring spoon
~Kayla- repelled the chair
~Lukas-  repelled the plastic
~Nora- was attracted to the washer
~Oliver- was attracted to the screw
~Sarika- repelled the charm
~Vashi- repelled the chain


On Friday, the children used magnets to paint a picture. We dripped a few drops of paint on a piece of paper and then moved one or two magnetic balls through the paint with their magnet wands underneath.  The paint moved in various directions and made awesome designs.  The children absolutely loved painting and mixing colors in this very unusual way. 

We also made volcanos out in the playground.  The children became so excited that they started screaming with joy as the volcano erupted.

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and we will see you on Tuesday!

Best,

Ms. Bonne & Ms. Denise