Magnets Interactive Simulation

Every magnet has two poles: North and South. Magnetic field lines always flow from the North pole to the South pole outside the magnet. Where the lines are close together, the field is strongest. Opposite poles attract each other; like poles repel. Students can change field strength and pole and compare what happens. Use it for physics inquiry with Grades 3–4, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS 3-PS2-3

• How increasing field strength packs the field lines closer together
• The direction field lines travel: always North → South outside the magnet
• Why two North poles push each other away
• How compasses point along field lines to indicate magnetic north

1. 1Predict how changing field strength will affect the visible outcome, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the interactive visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask