Experiment with different paperclip sizes, and uncoated versus coated paperclips. Gather smaller objects in a range of sizes and metals to see which ones will stick to the paperclips.
If the metal won’t stick to the paperclip, rub it 50 more times and try again. Try picking up other paper clips and larger objects to determine how strong the magnet is. Consider recording the length of time the paper clip stays magnetized after a certain number of rubs. Experiment with different types of metal, like pins or nails, to see which one makes the strongest, longest-lasting magnet.
A large iron nail 3 feet of thin coated copper wire A D-cell battery Small magnetic objects, like paperclips or pins Wire strippers Masking tape
Make sure you wrap in the same direction down the nail. In order to create a magnetic field, the electricity must flow in the same direction.
Don’t worry about which end of wire you attach to which end of the battery. The nail will become magnetized either way; the only difference is that its polarity will change. One side of the magnet is the north pole, and one side is the south pole. Reversing the wires will also reverse the poles. Once the battery is attached, the wires will grow hot as electricity begins passing through them, so be careful not to burn yourself.
A magnetizer. Find a magnet, a nail, or even a piece of fur to magnetize the needle. A cross section of cork. Slice a disc from an old wine cork to provide a base for the compass. A bowl of water. Suspending the compass in water allows the magnetized needle to align with the earth’s magnetic poles.
If the needle you’re using is too big to push through the cork, you may simply rest it on top of the cork. If you don’t have a cork coin, use another lightweight object that floats, such as a leaf.
