Over 2000 years ago, ancient Greek philosophers wrote about the magical properties of a magnetic mineral known as magnetite (an iron oxide mineral found in many different kinds of rocks). In those days, many people believed that magnetite could cure illness and scare away evil spirits. The Greeks weren't the only people using magnets though. Ancient Chinese people are credited with inventing the first magnetic compasses for navigation using lodestone (another name for magnetite).
So, what are magnets? A magnet is really just a piece of metal (iron, nickel, or cobalt) that is able to attract (pull) or repel (push) other pieces of metal. Magnets can be large or small, strong or week, permanent or temporary, man-made or formed naturally, but all magnets have something in common: the unpaired electrons line up in domains!
You may think you know all there is to know about magnets, but there's more to learn! Watch one or both of the videos below to learn more about magnets and how they work.
Are you ready to try creating your own magnets using electricity? Choose one of the experiments below!
Maglev Train
If you're not familiar with maglev trains, you should look them up. They are incredible! These trains use electromagnetism to create levitating trains that travel at super fast speeds. Use the resources below to help build a maglev train using simple magnets. Once you feel like you understand how it works, try creating a maglev train that you can turn on and off. In other words, use electricity to create a magnet that is strong enough to lift your train.
Note: Be careful when using batteries and magnets together. They can get very hot when connected together for too long!!
Junkyard Crane
Have your ever thought about how impressive it is that a junkyard crane is basically a super strong magnet with an on/off switch? These magnets are so strong, they can pick up cars! How strong of an electromagnet do you think you can build? What do you think you could pick up with your very own mini junkyard crane? Give this experiment a try to find out! See the videos below for inspiration, but feel free to get creative with your design.
Bonus
Use the Virtual Electromagnet simulation linked below to experiment with ways to strengthen your own electromagnet!