Magnets: The Invisible Sticky Trick!

Hello, Future Scientist!

Have you ever seen a magnet grab a paperclip without any glue?

It’s like magic, but it’s really science! Magnets have a secret power called magnetism—an invisible force that pulls metal things toward them.

Magnets are like superheroes with hands you can’t see. They reach out and tug on stuff made of metals like iron or steel—think paperclips, nails, or even a fridge door! This happens because magnets make a special energy field around them. When metal gets close, it feels the pull and sticks—zip!—no sticky tape needed. But try it with a pencil or a leaf, and nothing happens. That’s because magnetism only likes certain metals.

Magnets help us every day! They hold notes on your fridge, make toys move, and even help doctors peek inside bodies with big machines. Pretty awesome, right?

Try This Magnet Mystery Experiment!

Ready to test a magnet’s powers? Let’s play!

What You Need:

A magnet (like a fridge magnet or one from a toy—ask a grown-up if you need help)
A paperclip
A small pile of stuff: a coin, a pencil, a plastic spoon, a metal spoon, a leaf—whatever you can find!
A flat spot like a table

What to Do:

Put your pile of stuff on the table.
Hold your magnet close to the paperclip (but don’t touch it yet). Does it wiggle or jump to the magnet?
Stick the paperclip to the magnet. Cool, right? Now let it go and try again.
Test each thing in your pile one by one. Move the magnet close and see what sticks and what doesn’t.
Make two piles: “Sticks to Magnet” and “Doesn’t Stick.”

What You’ll See: The paperclip and metal spoon probably stick—zap!—to the magnet. But the pencil, plastic spoon, coin, and leaf? Nope! They just sit there. That’s magnetism picking its metal friends.

Why It Works:

Magnets have an invisible force field that loves metals like iron. Paperclips and metal spoons have iron in them, so they get pulled in. Plastic, wood, and leaves don’t, so they ignore the magnet’s hug.

Now you’re a magnet master! Next time you see a magnet, hunt for metal things it can grab. What’s your favorite magnet trick?