How Can You Sort a Mystery Pile of Objects with Only a Magnet?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can you sort a mystery pile of objects with only a magnet?

The Big Idea

You have a mystery pile of small objects, and only a magnet to sort them. A magnet is a great tool for splitting any pile into two groups. Let's find out how it works!

Two Groups

Step one: two groups. A magnet splits any pile into two groups: things that stick and things that do not. Sorting by one rule is the first step in many science experiments.

Things That Stick

Step two: things that stick. Items that stick contain iron, nickel, or cobalt. Nails, many paper clips, and steel screws all join this group.

Things That Don't

Step three: things that do not stick. Items that do not stick may be plastic, wood, glass, aluminum, copper, or non-magnetic stainless steel. A magnet cannot tell you exactly what an object is made of, but it gives strong clues.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The magnet is our tool. Some items stick. Some items do not stick. The result gives us clues, not proof.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Sorting by one simple rule starts many experiments. A magnet splits any pile into two groups. Sticky items contain iron, nickel, or cobalt. The result gives clues, not exact answers.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Make a pile of twenty small objects from a drawer. Predict which ones will stick. Test them all with a magnet. Count how many guesses were right. Then explain what you learned to a friend.

Outro

A magnet can sort a pile into two groups and give strong clues about what things are made of. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!