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Science Launch G3 / Week 03 / Friday
5/6
Week 03 · Magnet Mysteries

Friday

Earth is a magnet
// Pushes and pulls without touching
⏱ about 15 min

Friday: Earth Is a Magnet

On a hike, Rocket turns in a slow circle. "Which way is north?" he asks. "I forgot!"

Raven pulls out a compass. The needle wiggles, then settles. "What do you notice about the needle?"

Nova hovers above the compass. "Turn your body," she says. "Watch whether the needle turns with you."

Rocket spins. The needle keeps pointing the same way!

A giant magnet under our feet

Earth is a great big magnet.

A magnet that can swing freely will turn so its north pole points north.

A compass has a small magnet needle that can spin.

The needle lines up with Earth, so it points north. Explorers use compasses to find their way.

  • A compass helps hikers find north.
  • A fridge magnet holds up a drawing without tape.
  • Magnets are also inside many motors and speakers.
COMPASS CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Why does a compass needle point north?
Rocket turns around while holding a compass. What does the needle do?
Opposite poles ____.
Like poles ____.
A compass needle points ____.
FROM NEAR TO FAR: STRONGEST PULL TO WEAKEST
  • ?Magnet one finger away
  • ?Magnet three fingers away
  • ?Magnet touching the clip
  • ?Magnet across the table
WHY THIS EXERCISEMagnet pull gets weaker as the distance gets bigger.

Magnets at work

People use magnets every day.

A fridge magnet holds up a drawing without tape.

A compass needle is a magnet. It helps hikers and sailors find north.

Magnets are also inside many motors and speakers.

WHICH MAGNET IDEA IS IT?
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
A sailor checks a compass to steer north. Which idea helps?
Which object would a magnet pick up from a pile?
A magnet hangs from a string and turns slowly. Where does its north pole point?
Week reviewTrue or false?
Magnets can attract objects without touching them.?
Magnet pull cannot pass through cardboard.?
Magnets are found inside many speakers.?
A compass needle spins freely.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEMagnet pull passes through cardboard and acts at a distance.
What tool has a magnet needle that points north?
WHY THIS EXERCISEA compass needle is a magnet that lines up with Earth.
Try it
With a grown-up, look around your home for magnets at work.
Check the fridge door and other places a magnet might hide.
Make a list of what you find.

You cracked the magnet mysteries! Tomorrow is Launch Lab, where you build a magnet maze.

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