Magnet Investigation

Quick Answer

Magnet Investigation is a printable preschool science resource for testing what magnets attract, sorting materials, and discovering different ways magnets can move objects. The resource includes picture vocabulary cards, visual prompts, observation sheets, and a teacher’s guide to help you prepare hands-on experiences for your group.

Description

Magnet Investigation invites children to test their ideas about familiar objects. They can search for things a magnet attracts, sort their results, rescue magnetic objects, and try moving an object through a surface.

The activities also introduce push and pull between magnets. Children can change the position of a magnet or the material between two objects and compare what happens.

The activity signs are reusable prompts to place beside real materials. Children investigate with the materials; they do not need to write answers on the signs. Full-page and half-page options let you choose a size that fits your table, tray, or classroom display.

Use this resource for science centers, small group investigations, classroom theme activities, or homeschool preschool. You can offer one setup at a time and return to familiar activities as children develop new questions.

What’s Inside

This resource includes:

• Magnet Investigation display and Meet the Magnets reference page

• 12 picture word cards in four-per-page and two-per-page formats

• Six full-page and half-page activity signs: Magnet Hunt, Sort and Discover, Magnet Rescue, Move It Like Magic, Through or Not?, and Push and Pull

• Two full-page sorting mats and a reusable magnet movement path

• Half-page My Magnet Observation drawing sheet

• Teacher's guide with setup ideas

How to Use

Choose sturdy classroom magnets and a small collection of suitable objects. Display Magnet Hunt or Sort and Discover, model testing one object at a time, and use the picture sorting mats to record what actually happens.

Try Magnet Rescue, the movement path, or Move It Like Magic. Offer different barriers for Through or Not? and compare them. Use age-appropriate enclosed magnets and supervise materials; loose high-powered magnets are not needed.

Display a few picture word cards beside the materials, or laminate, hole-punch, and place them on a ring for children to flip through. Use the words during conversations about what children notice.

Offer the half-page observation sheets when children want to draw their discoveries. Writing is optional; an adult can record a child’s words. Follow the included teacher’s guide for setup ideas and adapt materials and supervision to your group.

Why It Works

Children have concrete materials and visible actions to connect with new ideas. Repeating an investigation gives them opportunities to compare results, describe changes, and try another approach.

This resource helps:

• Support predictions based on real tests

• Encourage sorting and revising ideas

• Make cause and effect visible through movement

• Build vocabulary for magnets, materials, and comparisons

• Support conversation and observation without requiring written answers

• Give teachers flexible visual prompts for different setups

Perfect For

• Preschool

• Pre-K

• Kindergarten readiness

• Science centers

• Small group investigations

• Magnet themes

• Physical science

• Material testing

• Cause-and-effect activities

• Homeschool preschool

Preschool Vibes Standards

• 5K. We can sort objects by attributes (color, size, shape, type) and explain the rule.

• 6A. We can observe using our senses and describe what we notice.

• 6C. We can make predictions about what might happen.

• 6D. We can test ideas and notice what happened.

• 6E. We can use simple tools and materials to explore (magnifiers, droppers, ramps, magnets, balance, light).

• 6F. We can compare and describe materials and their properties (hard/soft, heavy/light, float/sink, transparent/opaque).

Digital Download & Terms of Use

This is a digital download only. No physical product will be delivered.

This resource includes printable PDF pages. Investigation materials and tools shown in the activities are not included.

This resource is for personal and single-classroom use only. You may not resell, redistribute, share, upload, or claim this file as your own.

Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final.