Summary
Have you ever wondered how magnets stick to your fridge? Or why they stick to some metals but not others? It all starts with arrangements of groups of atoms called magnetic domains. When these domains align, like they do in a magnet, they create a magnetic field. All magnetic fields have a north and a south pole. When certain metals fall inside these fields, it causes their magnetic domains to temporarily align—so they become magnetized, too! People have been using naturally occurring magnets for thousands of years, starting with the invention of compasses. More recently, magnetic devices called electromagnets revolutionized technology. Today, they’re found in electric motors, automobiles, and pretty much every electronic device you can think of. Press “play” to learn more!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Magnetism:
- What is one new thing you learned about magnetism?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining magnetism.
- Draw or give one example of your own.