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Magnetic or Not? — Reading Comprehension

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This science reading passage, 'Magnetic or Not? The Power of Magnets,' introduces Grade 4-5 students to the world of magnets and magnetism. Aligned with NGSS standards, it explains what magnets are, how they work, and which materials are magnetic. Students learn the meanings of key vocabulary words like 'magnetic field,' 'poles,' and 'repel,' with each glossary word highlighted for easy reference. The passage describes how magnets are used in everyday life, from fridge doors to recycling centers, and includes an 'Interesting Fact' to spark curiosity. The resource features a Spanish translation, a glossary of key terms, multiple-choice comprehension questions, and writing prompts encouraging critical thinking and connections to real life. The passage is audio integrated for accessibility and supports reading, vocabulary, and scientific reasoning skills. Ideal for classroom or independent study.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Lodestone attracting nails — Magnets are special objects that can attract certain materials, like iron, nickel, and cobalt.Image by Fred Anzley Annet / Wikimedia Commons

A magnet is an object that can pull certain materials toward itself. This pulling force is called magnetism. Scientists use magnetism as a property to identify and sort materials. When you test objects with a magnet, you can quickly discover which materials have magnetic properties and which do not.

Not all materials are attracted to magnets. Only materials that contain iron, a type of metal, or certain iron mixtures are magnetic. Iron is a silvery-gray metal found in many everyday objects. Steel, which is made mostly from iron, is also magnetic. Steel is a strong metal used to make items like scissors, paper clips, and nails. When you bring a magnet close to these objects, the magnet pulls them because they contain iron.

Many other materials are not magnetic at all. Wood, plastic, paper, aluminum, and copper do not contain iron, so magnets cannot attract them. A magnet will not pull a wooden pencil, a plastic ruler, or an aluminum can. Even though these objects might be in your classroom, they lack the property that makes something magnetic. This is why scientists say that magnetism is a useful property for sorting materials into two groups: magnetic and non-magnetic.

You can conduct a simple investigation to discover which classroom objects are magnetic. First, make predictions about which items you think a magnet will attract. Then, test each object by bringing a magnet close to it. If the object moves toward the magnet or sticks to it, the object is magnetic. If nothing happens, the object is non-magnetic. This process helps you practice using a single property—magnetism—to classify materials.

Understanding magnetic properties is important in everyday life. Refrigerator magnets stick to refrigerator doors because the doors are made of steel. Magnetic strips on credit cards store information. Compasses use magnets to help people find directions. By learning which materials are magnetic, you develop skills in observation, prediction, and classification that scientists use every day.

Interesting Fact: The Earth itself acts like a giant magnet! Its magnetic field helps protect us from harmful particles from the sun and allows compass needles to point north.

What is the pulling force of magnets called?

GravityMagnetismElectricityFriction

Which metal makes materials magnetic?

CopperAluminumIronPlastic

What is steel mostly made from?

WoodIronPaperCopper

Why won't a magnet attract a wooden pencil?

Wood is too heavyWood contains no ironWood is too lightWood is too long

What should you do first in the investigation?

Test objects immediatelyBuy more magnetsMake predictionsWrite a report

Why do refrigerator magnets stick to doors?

Doors are made of woodDoors are made of plasticDoors are made of steelDoors are made of paper