SCIENCE ACTIVITY SHEET VI_13.

Activity: ______________________________________________________________

Materials Provided:

➢ Metal sewing needle.

➢ A magnet such as a rare earth magnet or the most common type is made of neodymium.
(A stronger magnet will work best).
➢ A cork.
➢ Scissors for cutting the cork.
➢ A wide cup or a bowl.
➢ Water

Here is what you do……..

1. Rub the magnet against the sewing needle at least five times. (If you are using a weaker
magnet, such as a flat refrigerator magnet, rub the needle at least a dozen times.) Always rub
the magnet in the same direction against the needle.
Your needle should now be magnetized.
2. Now cut off about one quarter inch of the cork from one of the ends, making a small cork disk
that is about one-quarter-inch tall.
3. Lay the cork disk on a flat surface & carefully push the needle through the side of the disk. all
the way through the disk so that about the same amount of needle shows on either side of the
disk.
4. Fill a wide cup, drinking glass or bowl with at least one inch of water.
5. Put the cork disk (with the needle) on the water in the cup so that keep the disk is floating in
the center of the water, away from the sides of the cup.
6. Observe the direction of the needle once the cork is stationary.
7. Displace the needle gently with your finger and again observe the direction of the needle.
8. Use a real compass to find out the north direction in your location.
9. Colour the tip of your magnetized needle red for easy identification.

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Observation:
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Conclusion:____________________________________________________________
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You could use a small leaf or a butter paper instead of a cork.

Fun Magnet Facts

• Magnets are objects that produce an area of magnetic force called a magnetic field.
• Magnetic fields by themselves are invisible to the human eye.
• Iron filings can be used to show magnetic fields created by magnets (such as in the picture to
the right).
• Magnets only attract certain types of metals, other materials such as glass, plastic and wood
aren't attracted.
• Metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt are attracted to magnets.
• Most metals however are not attracted to magnets, these include copper, silver, gold,
magnesium, platinum, aluminum and more. They may however magnetize a small amount
while placed in a magnetic field.
• Magnetism can attract magnetic objects or push them away.
• Magnets have a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole. If the same pole of two
magnets are placed near each other they will push away (repel), while if different poles are
placed near each other they will pull together (attract).
• Magnetic objects must be inside the magnetic field to respond, which is why you may have to
move a magnet closer for it to have an effect.
• The Earth's core is believed to be a mix (alloy) of iron and nickel, giving the Earth its own
magnetic field.
• The Earth's magnetic field is responsible for deflecting the solar wind, charged particles that
come from the Sun.
• Magnetic compasses use the Earth's magnetic field to help navigate in north, south, east and
west directions.
• Electromagnets are created by an electric current running through a surrounding coil. They
have many uses including the generation of electricity in hydroelectric dams.

Copyright: Amity International Schools