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Heavy Metal

Is your refrigerator covered with magnets? Who discovered the first magnet? Have you ever used a compass to find your way through a forest? Learn the answers to these and other magnetic questions! With the activities below, you'll learn what you do -- and don't -- know about magnets.

So, stick around and explore the sticking power of magnets!

Click the first activity below to get started.

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Magnetic!
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Lost At Sea
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Web Wise 1: Finding Photos
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Web Wise 2: Finding Facts
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Sticky Invention
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Magnetic!

How were magnets discovered? Where are magnets found? How can you make some things magnetic?

Answer these questions in the quiz.

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Lost At Sea

Sailor Turvy Topsy is lost at sea. All she sees is water and rocky islands. Which way is home? Her map won't help without a compass.

Sailor Turvy Topsy looks in her bag of supplies. She finds a paper cup, a sewing needle, a cork, and a magnet. How can she make a compass?

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Are you still stumped? Use a website to find out how to make a simple compass.


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What You Do

  1. Print the Lost At Sea Worksheet.

  2. On the How a Compass Works website, scroll down the page until you find "Creating Your Own Compass."

  3. Answer the questions on the Lost At Sea Worksheet.

  4. Click the Back button on your browser to return to this page.

Now go to the How a Compass Works website.

When you're done with Lost At Sea, move on to Web Wise 1: Finding Photos.

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Web Wise 1: Finding Photos

How can I find astronomy photos on the Web?

Suppose you received this postcard from your friend.  

Hi from Canada!

I saw something AMAZING last night -- the aurora borealis! The sky turned orange and green. It was better than fireworks. It looked like a giant had made an electric finger painting in the sky! An aurora happens when dust is captured by Earth´s magnetic fields.

I´m sorry you can't see this amazing sight. I'll take some photos and show them to you when I get back.

Your friend,
Taylor

To surprise your friend, you want to find pictures of the aurora borealis. What are some of the ways you could find good photos on the Web?

  1. Look up aurora borealis in an online dictionary.

  2. E-mail a science expert at an astronomy website.

  3. Find photographs of auroras posted on websites.

Discuss these three choices with a classmate. Explain why you think your choice would best help you see an aurora borealis. Then click your answer to check it.

Now investigate Web Wise 2: Finding Facts.

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Web Wise 2: Finding Facts

Can I find facts about the aurora borealis on the Web?

After Taylor comes home, you show him aurora photos on the Web. You both want to learn more about what causes an aurora borealis. You and Taylor have a race to see who can find information faster. Which of these would give you fast general facts?

To surprise your friend, you want to find pictures of the aurora borealis. What are some of the ways you could find good photos on the Web?

  1. Look up aurora borealis in an encyclopedia on the Web.

  2. Type the words aurora borealis in a web search engine.

  3. Find a science museum online and look for links to aurora borealis .

Discuss these choices with a classmate. Tell why your choice would be the fastest way to find information. Then check your answer. You may want to have your own race! Maybe you can find other good ways to find out about an aurora borealis.

Next try your hand at a Sticky Invention.

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Sticky Invention

Use magnets to invent something! Design a shoelace that doesn't have to be tied.

What You Do

Print the Sticky Invention Worksheet and design your invention.

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