Year 3 science · B.1 · Forces and motion
Magnets and how they pull
Magnets work best when close to iron or steel. The closer they are, the stronger the pull. More material or space between them weakens the force.
See worked examples
Priya wonders: Which object will a magnet pull from a distance?
- Wooden block
- Steel spoon (right)
- Paper
Luca and Zoe are curious. A student puts a small gap between a magnet and a nail. What happens if they close that gap?
- The pull gets stronger (right)
- No change happens
- The magnet breaks
Nora wonders: Which object will a magnet pull from a distance?
- Steel spoon (right)
- Plastic cup
- Paper
Tip: Magnets work best when close to iron or steel. The closer they are, the stronger the pull. More material or space between them weakens the force.
Print a worksheet of this skill New questions and an answer key, free.
Up next
- Next in this topic Balanced and unbalanced forces Year 3
- Need a warm-up? Friction slows motion Year 2
Learn it hands-on
- Pushes, Pulls and Magnets Grade 3 · printable lessons
Practise without limits
Members practise as much as they like, every day, and get the printable packs and lessons too.