Introduce young learners to the fascinating world of magnets with this simple and engaging What Can Magnets Pick Up? science activity! Gather the items from around your classroom and using a chopstick/stick/ruler attach a small magnet, with a hole in it, if possible, to a string and then tie this to the stick/ruler. Carry out the experiment in class first, thus helping the students develop their understanding of magnetic and non-magnetic materials. Then complete the worksheet.
This resource encourages children to explore which everyday objects can be picked up by a magnet. Students colour the pictures and circle the objects that the magnet picked up.
What’s Included?
• Student worksheet – Children colour the pictures and circle the objects that a magnet can pick up.
• Teacher Answer Sheet – A completed answer sheet is included to support teacher instruction, checking, and discussion.
Students can investigate familiar classroom objects including:
• Paper clip
• Binder clip
• Staples
• Scissors
• Eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• LEGO
• Crayon
Perfect For:
• Science lessons about magnets
• Introducing magnetic and non-magnetic materials
• Whole-class instruction
• Independent student work
• Small-group activities
• Science centres
• Early years and primary classrooms
The worksheet provides a fun, visual way for children to make predictions, identify magnetic objects, and learn that magnets can attract some metal objects. A great addition to any introductory lesson on magnets and materials!
Credits & Copyright
© 2026 Sonyja Murphy. All rights reserved.
This educational resource was created by Sonyja Murphy.
Illustrations in this resource were created with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) and have been edited and arranged as part of this original educational work.