Familiarize students with the basic qualities of magnets. Distribute a number of magnets among the students or lab groups. Encourage the students to experiment by holding the magnets together, observing the attraction created between opposite poles and the repulsion created by similar poles. Have pupils to test the magnets with various small items made of different materials or metals, such as screws, coins, buttons or spoons, and record which items are attracted to the magnet.
Demonstrate the ability of magnets to create other magnets. Distribute a number of paper clips among the students. Instruct the students to rub a paper clip along the magnet 60 to 80 times in the same direction, then experiment with the paperclip. The paperclip should now have magnetic properties, and should be able to pick up other paper clips or stick to metallic items like faucets or desk legs.
Allow students to visualize what a magnetic field looks like and understand the way magnetic fields work. Distribute magnetic field viewing film among the pupils or groups. Instruct them to try viewing the magnetic fields of different magnets and electronic items with the film, and have them record the resulting patterns.
Demonstrate how compasses work by using the earth's magnetic field. Distribute to each lab group a magnet, a beaker of water, a slice of cork or small sponge square, and a needle. Have the groups use the magnets to magnetize the needle with the same process used on the the paper clips, then instruct each group to float the cork slice or sponge in the water and place the magnetized needle on top. The needle will slowly align itself to a north-south bearing, creating a basic compass.