First grade scientists will begin their magnet unit in January with their homeroom teachers. This introductory lab will provide the background knowledge they’ll need to get started.

We grouped objects by the materials from which they are made (metal, glass, wood, paper, and plastic). Then we tested each group to see which materials a magnet attracts. We discovered that magnets attract metal, but not all types of metal. Do you know which metals a magnet attracts?

We moved to the lab tables where lab partners each had a tray of metal objects only. I asked them to collaborate as they hypothesized which metal objects their magnets would and would not attract. Always interesting to hear their reasoning as they make decisions. Then we tested our hypotheses. Some of our results surprised us! Iron objects are not always the same color!

Click here to learn more about magnets.