Summary A magnet on a string swings randomly and seemingly endlessly as it is attracted and repelled by other magnets. Can be used as a free experimentation activity. Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Energy forms, Conservation of Energy (1, 3, 4, 5) Lessons activity is in Force stations Magnet stations Magnet stations and more magnets/electromagnets Forces at-a-distance Resource Exploratorium snack: magnet pendulum Materials string to hang magnet magnet with a hole in it (if none available, the string can be taped to the magnet) tape, to tape the string to a table top (or use clamp stand or support for hanging the magnet) 3 other identical round/flat magnets flat steel base, to attach the 3 magnets to e.g. tin plate, oven tray or upturned saucepan (or use the base of the clamp stand) Procedure Adapted from the Exploratorium snack https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/strange-attractor Lay the 3 identical magnets in a triangle under the support. Hang the hole magnet so it is suspended between these 3 magnets, and is attracted to them, but does not touch them. Gently swing the suspended magnet so that it moves irratically between the other 3 magnets. Adjust the height and position of the suspended magnet, and the positions of the other 2 magnets until you get best results - the suspended magnet can swing for quite a while before it finds a stable position. Try doing with a really long string from the ceiling. Grades taught Gr K Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6
