Here are some explorations to do and things to think about as we start the section on magnets.

• Collect a set of objects -- a penny, a paper clip, an aluminum drink can, the washers from the kit, a pencil, an eraser, a ring, ... -- things that you think will be attracted by a magnet, or which you think will not interact with a magnet. Certainly include any object for which you are unsure!

  Classify each item based on how it interacts with all of the other materials.

  Describe the various classes you established for your set of materials.

• Is magnetism uniformly distributed in a magnet? You can investigate this using a paper clip (to see where it sticks, and where not), a compass, and the magnetic field viewing card.
  Explain how the rubber magnet is put together, and how this accounts for the various behavior you observed.
• In your kit there is a sample of a magnetic rubber material (it doesn't look very exciting -- it's black and rubbery, and blue or white on one side). It will stick to a piece of iron or steel, but its effect on a compass needle is not easy to interpret (see for yourself!). Use the magnetic field viewing card to unravel its mystery. Also note how it interacts with a paper clip.

Check the box when you are done: