Illustration for Magnetism

Magnetism

What Is Magnetism?

Magnetism is a force that can pull certain metals toward a magnet.
It works without touching the object, like an invisible hand.

How Magnets Work

A magnet has two ends called Poles – a north pole and a south pole.
Opposite poles (north‑south) attract each other, while the same poles (north‑north or south‑south) push away.
Inside a magnet, tiny particles called electrons spin in the same direction, creating the magnetic field.

Everyday Uses

  • Fridge Magnets hold pictures and notes on the kitchen door.
  • Compass points north, helping people find direction.
  • Trains that float on magnetic tracks can move very fast and quietly.

Fun Facts

  • Not all metals are magnetic; iron, nickel, and cobalt are the main ones.
  • The Earth itself is a giant magnet, with a magnetic north and south pole.
  • Some animals, like turtles and birds, use Earth’s magnetic field to travel long distances.

Continue the adventure

Download Surprise Button for iPad

A simple, safe way for kids to explore the internet. With one tap, they discover something new — a fun fact, a science experiment, a story, or a place in the world they never would've searched for.

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Your child explores safely on Surprise Button App

🌋

How Volcanoes Form

From Magma to Mountain

Volcanoes grow where tectonic plates collide or drift apart. Heat melts rock into light, buoyant magma that rises, cools, and hardens near the surface, building the cone layer by layer.

Know exactly what to talk about tonight

Maya's Daily Discoveries - March 15 Inbox

🚀 Today's Learning Journey

🌋
How Volcanoes Form
18 min • Longest session today
🎨
Ancient Egyptian Art
15 min • Visited twice today

💬 Tonight's Conversation Starters

"Can you explain how volcanoes form?"