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Magnetic Pick Up

Magnetic Pick Up

 

Illustration: a hand holding a magnet that is lifting up a kite-shaped piece of paper with string and a paper clip attached to it

YOU WILL NEED

  • A piece of paper
  • A paper clip
  • Thread
  • Clear tape
  • Scissors
  • A strong magnet

HERE'S HOW

Cut a paper kite shape about three inches long and attach a paper clip to one corner. To the opposite corner, tape a piece of thread about eight inches long. Tape the other end of the thread to a flat surface. Use a strong magnet to pick up the paper clip and extend the string to full length. Hold the kite between your fingers and slowly move the magnet away from the paper clip. When you release the kite, it “flies,” unattached to the magnet.

WHY?

Magnets have a magnetic field, an invisible force that attracts some kinds of metal. Metal objects within the magnetic field do not have to touch a magnet to be pulled by magnetism.

Text by NGS Staff
Illustration by David Bamundo

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