Divide students into small groups. Give each group a magnet and a collection of common household and classroom items. Have each group test the items and make a list of which ones are attracted to the magnet. Have the groups discuss what the items that are attracted to magnets have in common and why some items are not attracted to magnets. After the groups report their findings to the class, hold a class discussion and summary of the activity.
For an object to be pushed or pulled by another object, it must be within the item's magnetic field. To illustrate the magnetic field, place a white piece of paper on a magnet. Sprinkle iron filings on top of the paper. The iron filings will be pulled toward the strongest lines of force, which are at the two poles.
Give each student or small group of students two bar magnets. Have the students experiment with putting the different ends of the magnets together. Explain that every magnet has a south pole and a north pole. When placing two magnets together, poles that are the same repel or push away from one another. Poles that are the same attract one another or pull together.
Place 1 cup of Total cereal in a baggie with 1/2 cup warm water. Seal the bag and allow it to sit for one hour. While leaving the baggie closed, squeeze the bag with your hand to mix until the cereal is dissolved. Place a Neodymium magnet on the flat side of your palm. Place the baggie on top of the magnet and slosh the bag for 20 seconds. Slowly flip the bag over and without raising the magnet look at the top of the baggie. Small, black pieces of iron should be visible.