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Science Y2 – Parent Guide
MAGNETIC MATERIALS
Truth to Teach (Source)

As a magnet draws iron or a metal containing iron to itself, so God’s love draws us close.

Way to Work (Means)

1. Recap on the previous lesson, and refer to the display of objects. Do you notice anything
about the objects, which were attracted to a magnet? These magnetic objects are all made
of metal. Are all metal things attracted to a magnet? (If the answer is yes, do the practical
work sooner, rather than later!)

2. I wonder why some are and some aren’t? It’s like some respond when a magnet comes near,
while others are unmoved. Scientists have discovered that iron is attracted to a magnet, and
if something is made of iron or has some iron in it, it will respond to the pull of a magnet.
Steel is made from iron (and other things), so anything steel will be magnetic too.

3. Last week I mentioned that when we look carefully at what God has made, the Holy Spirit
can help us see something about the One who made it all. Has anyone seen a spiritual
picture in our work on magnets so far? (Be open to what God may be saying, even if it is
different to what you might have expected! It may be appropriate to respond in some way
too.)

4. Have a central display of magnetic and non-magnetic metal objects. [Include a steel drinks
can and an aluminium one too.] Divide into small groups, and have each group test objects in
turn, recording their results on the sheet as they go. Do encourage the children to consider
each other, making sure that each person in the group has a turn and also keeps up-to-date
with recording results.

5. Gather, and reinforce what the experiment should have revealed. Precious metals (gold and

silver) are non-magnetic, as is aluminium. Coins are usually non-magnetic, but some 2ps are
not!

6. Refer to the drinks cans, and to the re-cycle sign on the side. If cans of the wrong sort of
material are in the wrong place, can you guess how people sort them out? (A giant magnet)

This is one way in which magnets are useful, and not just fun. Do you know of some other ways?
We’ll talk about that another time!

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

1. For the children to learn the difference between magnetic and non-magnetic metals,
observing how each responds to a magnet.
2. For the children to see the spiritual parallel that while some people respond to God’s love by
coming close, others are unmoved in their hearts.

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