STEM Investigation: Magnet
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 5
Coordinating Activities
STEM Investigation: Magnet
- Instruction sheet
- Recording sheet: “Is it magnetic?” with a choose-your-own object challenge
Kids write or draw a hypothesis, do the investigation and record what happened.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Magnet
- Small test objects like a paper clip, die, stick, nail, metal washer, eraser, play dough, paper, block and crayon
- Box or tray
- Pencil
Standards for Science Investigation
This magnet investigation supports early science standards connected to asking questions, making predictions and recording observations.
NGSS and Common Core State Standards
- NGSS K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. Kids ask questions and make predictions.
- NGSS K-PS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object. Kids see the magnet pull some objects.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.8: With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question. Kids record what they observe.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
- PK4.VI.A.1: Child observes, investigates, describes and discusses characteristics of common objects. Kids explore the materials in the magnet investigation.
Virginia Science Standards of Learning
- K.3: Physical properties of an object can be described. Kids describe what they observe during the investigation.
STEM Investigation: Magnet gives preschool and kindergarten kids a simple, hands-on science experiment where they test which objects are magnetic.
Kids test everyday objects with a magnet and record whether each one is magnetic. Then they choose their own object to test.
Kids make a hypothesis, try the experiment and record their observations on the recording sheet. It is a great first step into the scientific method.
How to Use STEM Investigation: Magnet
- Gather the materials listed above.
- Read the instruction sheet together.
- Place the test objects in a box or tray.
- Kids pick up each object with the magnet and sort it as magnetic or not.
- Kids record their observations on the recording sheet.
- Talk about what happened and why.
Small Group: Do the investigation together and take turns with each step.
Science Center: Set out the materials and recording sheets for kids to explore.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This STEM Investigation
Every group has a mix of science, language and writing skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Do each step together.
- Draw a picture of what happened.
- Use picture cues for each step.
- Dictate the hypothesis to an adult.
For On-Level Practice:
- Make a hypothesis before starting.
- Record what happened in words or pictures.
- Compare the result to the hypothesis.
- Share the results with a friend.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Change one thing and try again.
- Write a sentence about why it happened.
- Make a new prediction.
- Plan your own experiment.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Talk through each step together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Use the experiment to build science words.
- Repeat the investigation on another day.
STEM Investigation: Magnet Is Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- First grade
- Magnet units
- Science centers
- STEM centers
- Small-group instruction
- Homeschool
