Magnets (P3 Lesson and Worksheet)

Magnets are fascinating objects that can pull, push, and even move things without touching them!

You may have seen magnets on a refrigerator or inside a pencil case — but have you ever wondered how magnets really work?

In this lesson, we will explore:

✔️ What magnets can do
✔️ The characteristics of magnets
✔️ Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
✔️ How magnets are used in everyday life

Let’s begin!

Magnets Can Push and Pull

A magnet can exert a push or a pull on certain objects.

• When a magnet pulls an object towards it, we say it attracts the object.
• When a magnet pushes another magnet away, we say it repels the magnet.

This push-and-pull action is called magnetic force.

👉 Amazing fact: Magnets can act on objects without touching them!

What Are Magnets Made Of?

Magnets are usually made from iron or steel.

But remember — not all materials are attracted to magnets.

Magnetic Materials

• Iron
• Steel

Non-Magnetic Materials

• Wood
• Plastic
• Paper
• Rubber

Try this at home: Test different objects and see which ones are attracted to a magnet!

Magnets Have Two Poles

Every magnet has two poles:

🧭 North pole (N)
🧭 South pole (S)

If you hang a bar magnet freely using a string, it will always point in the North–South direction.

This is why magnets are used in compasses to help people find directions.

Attraction and Repulsion

Magnets can either attract or repel each other.

✅ Unlike poles attract
(North pole – South pole)

❌ Like poles repel
(North pole – North pole or South pole – South pole)

👉 Try bringing two magnets together and observe what happens!

Magnets Attract Magnetic Materials

Magnets attract objects made of magnetic materials such as iron and steel.

Examples:

• Paper clips
• Nails
• Screws

Magnets do not attract plastic or wooden objects.

Uses of Magnets in Everyday Life

Magnets are all around us!

You can find them in:

• Refrigerator doors
• Pencil cases
• Speakers and earphones
• Toys
• Compasses

Magnets help make our daily lives easier and more convenient.

Can You Make a Magnet?

Yes, magnets can be made in simple ways!

1️⃣ Stroke Method

• Stroke an iron object in one direction using a magnet
• Repeat many times
• The object becomes magnetised

2️⃣ Electrical Method

Wrap a coil of wire around an iron object and pass electricity through it.
This turns the object into a magnet.

(You will learn more about this in higher primary!)

Be Curious About Magnets

Magnets are everywhere.

Encourage your child to:

✔️ Explore how magnets are used
✔️ Ask questions about how they work
✔️ Experiment safely

Curiosity helps children see how science connects to everyday life.

Let’s Summarise

• Magnets can push and pull
• Magnets are usually made of iron or steel
• Every magnet has a North and South pole
• Unlike poles attract, like poles repel
• Magnets attract magnetic materials
• Magnets are used in many everyday objects

Have you learned something new about magnets today?

Ready to Test What You Know?

👉  Download your FREE Primary 3 Magnets Worksheet!