Magnetism: Something Fun for Children to Learn

Magnetism is a scientific term that basically states that materials exert an attractive or repulsive force on other materials. Every object is made up of atoms, and because of that, they all have a charge that causes other objects to be attracted or repulsed. This fact doesn't always seem to be apparent. For example, the computer screen you are viewing right now doesn't seem to be pushing you away or trying to pull you in. That said, many objects have such a slight pull that it is nearly impossible to detect without strong measuring devices. There are other objects that you are most certainly aware of, called magnets, that make this force very apparent and easy to observe.

Some of the more common magnets include nickel, iron, cobalt and their alloys. These materials will always be pushing or pulling each other towards or away from themselves. There are simple experiments that you can perform with magnets, all dependent upon the type of magnet you are using, as well as the “pole” that you are using. The poles of a magnet help determine whether the other object will be repulsed or attracted. The pull of the magnet is actually caused by the electrons in the atoms that make up the material. A strong magnetic pull is present when more of the electrons are spinning in the same direction. Once all, or most, of the electrons in a given material are all going the same way, the pull will be the strongest.

All magnets produce a magnetic field. This field will have different attractions in different directions. The easiest way to observe this magnetic field is by putting some iron filings on a piece of paper and then putting a magnet underneath. The filings will arrange themselves in such a way that you will be able to “see” the magnetic field. Actually, you won't see the field, but you definitely see the effects of the field on the iron filings.

There are a wide variety of scientific products and supplies that help to teach the principles of magnetism and magnetic fields. These science products range from simple to complex, and all help to accomplish a higher level of learning and understanding of the principles behind magnetism. Magnetism is extensively tied to electricity, and it is difficult to teach one without touching on the other. Scientists such as Oersted, Faraday, Gauss and Maxwell have all contributed to our understanding of magnetism, and have provided us with a fundamental knowledge of this important scientific principle.

Magnetism affects our lives on a daily basis, and contributes to many of the tools and products we use and rely on. For example, without a proper understanding of magnetism, we could never have put electricity in our homes. Magnetism is crucial to the development of AC or alternating current, which is used in most homes and businesses throughout the world. A proper understanding of magnetism can be achieved by using hands-on science products such as Oersted’s Law apparatus, magnetic lines of force demonstrators and electromagnets to name a few. These hands-on science products will help students to achieve a fundamental understanding of the scientific laws and principles involved in magnetism.

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