Magnets (Grades 1–3) is a hands-on, inquiry-based science resource that introduces young learners to the properties and behaviors of magnets. Through structured experiments, students explore magnetic and non-magnetic materials, attraction and repulsion, temporary and permanent magnets, magnetic poles, and magnetic fields. Activities such as What’s Magnetic? Make a Magnet, and Magnetic Money help students classify objects, test predictions, and observe forces in action.

The resource also builds foundational scientific inquiry skills. Students make predictions, record observations in tables and drawings, compare results, and communicate conclusions. The final section, Inventions with Magnets, connects science to real-world technology, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. The book aligns strongly with Canadian provincial science expectations, NGSS physical science standards, and Common Core literacy skills.

The experiments in this curriculum fall under six topics: Magnets and Magnetic Materials, Temporary and Permanent Magnets, Magnetic Poles, Magnetic Strength, Magnetic Fields, and Compasses and Magnets. 

A seventh section on Magnets and Inventions provides an excellent way to integrate the material that has been learned and introduce a technology component to the curriculum. 

In each section, you will find teacher notes designed to provide you guidance with the materials needed, as well as provide some insight on what results to expect when the experiments are conducted. 

Introduction Includes:

• At A Glance TM - List of Skills and Learning Expectations
• Teacher Rubric
• Student Rubric
• Introduction
• Materials List            

Lesson Topics: 

Magnets and Magnetic Materials

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • What Do You Know?
  • Explore Magnets!
  • Horse Shoes
  • What’s Magnetic?
  • Pick It Up
  • I Know What Is Magnetic
  • What About Your Bicycle?
  • Shopping For Magnetic Materials
  • What Is in My Cereal? (Iron)
  • Magnetic Money
  • A Natural Magnetic
• Answer Key 

Temporary and Permanent Magnets

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • A Spoonful of Paperclips
  • Make a Magnetic
  • Can a Ruler Become a Magnetic?
• Answer Key 

Magnetic Poles

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • Where’s the North Pole?
  • North and South
  • Donut Magnets
  • Floating Donut Magnets
• Answer Key 

Magnet Strength

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • Strong Magnets
  • What Did You Learn?
  • Magnetic Wordsearch
• Answer Key 

Magnetic Fields

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • Magnetic Strength
  • Magnetic Artwork
  • Uncover the Magnetic Field
  • Can Magnets Be Blocked?
• Answer Key 

Magnets and Compasses

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • The Earth Is a Big Magnetic!
  • What Is a Compass?
  • Draw Your Compass
  • How Does a Compass Work?
  • A Compass Story
  • Compass and Magnet
  • Make a Little Earth
  • Little Earth Template
  • Make a Compass
  • Magnetic Crossword
  • Magnets Poster
• Answer Key 

Inventions with Magnets

In this section, students will recognize how magnets are used in everyday life.

• Teacher Notes
• Student Activities
  • Inventions Using Magnets
  • Be a Magnet Inventor
  • Build a Magnet Invention
  • Magnetic Magic
  • Invent a Magic Trick
  • Magnet Guessing Game
  • A Magnetic Levitation Train
  • Build a Magnetic Levitation Train
  • Electro-Magnet
• Answer Key  

Core Standards This Resource Meets

Magnets (Grades 1–3) meets curriculum expectations across Canada and the U.S. because it teaches:

• Properties of materials (magnetic vs. non‑magnetic)
• Forces of attraction and repulsion
• Temporary vs. permanent magnets
• Magnetic poles
• Magnetic fields and acting distance
• Use of tools (compass)
• Inquiry skills: predicting, observing, recording, concluding
• Technology connections (magnet inventions)

U.S. Standards Alignment

Common Core (ELA & Math Connections)

While magnetism is not part of CCSS science, the resource meets:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1–3: Recording observations, writing conclusions, labeling diagrams
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1–3: Sharing findings, discussions
• CCSS.MATH.MP.2 & MP.4: Measuring, sorting, classifying, using tables

NGSS (K–3)

Direct matches:

• 1-PS4-2: Use tools to observe unseen forces (magnetic fields)
• 3-PS2-3: Magnetic force as non-contact force
• 3-PS2-4: Predicting magnetic interactions
• K-2 ETS1: Designing solutions (magnet inventions)

Crosscutting concepts:

• Cause & effect
• Structure & function
• Patterns in magnetic attraction/repulsion

Science & Engineering Practices:

• Asking questions
• Planning investigations
• Recording observations (“Record all the observations of the investigation.”)
• Constructing explanations
• Communicating results

Canadian Curriculum Alignment

Ontario (Grades 1–3 Science & Technology)

• Understanding Matter & Energy:
• Grade 1: Properties of materials; testing objects; observing interactions
• Grade 2: Movement; simple machines; forces
• Grade 3: Forces causing movement; magnetic force as non-contact force
• Skills: Scientific method, predicting, observing, recording, communicating

British Columbia (Grades 1–3 Science)

• Grade 1: Properties of objects; classifying materials
• Grade 2: Forces influence motion
• Grade 3: Invisible forces (magnetism)
• Curricular competencies: questioning, predicting, observing, recording, communicating

Alberta (Grades 1–3 Science)

• Grade 1: Senses, properties of objects
• Grade 2: Hot & Cold; exploring materials
• Grade 3: Science: Magnetism (direct match)
• Inquiry skills throughout

Saskatchewan

• Physical Science: Forces & Magnetism (K–3)
• Inquiry: Predicting, observing, recording, communicating

Manitoba

• Cluster 3: Forces & Simple Machines (magnetism included)
• Scientific inquiry skills

Quebec

• Competency: To explore; To understand material world
• Concepts: Properties of materials; forces; magnetism

Nova Scotia

• Grades P–3: Properties of materials; forces; magnetism
• Inquiry & problem-solving

New Brunswick

• K–3 Physical Science: Forces; properties of materials
• Inquiry & communication

Prince Edward Island

• K–3: Forces; materials; magnetism
• Scientific literacy & inquiry

Newfoundland & Labrador

• Primary Science: Forces; materials; magnetism
• Inquiry process

Yukon / NWT / Nunavut

(Use BC/Alberta frameworks)

• Properties of materials
• Forces & magnetism
• Inquiry competencies

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