Many students expect all metals to be attracted by magnets and think that the size of the magnet dictates its strength

Resources to Address This

• Which are magnetic?  (11-14)
  In primary school, teaching materials classify metals as conductors and non-metals as insulators, leading kids to think metals are special for electricity. This belief extends to magnetism, where metals are assumed to be magnetic and non-metals non-magnetic.

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References

• Bailey, J., Francis, R. and Hill, D. (1987) Exploring ideas about magnets. Research in Science Education 17 (1), 113-116.

• Van Hook, S. J. and Huziak-Clark, T. L. (2007) Tip-to-Tail: Developing a Conceptual Model of Magnetism with Kindergartners Using Inquiry-Based Instruction. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 19 (2), 45-58.

• Hickey, R. and Schibeci, R. A. (1999) The attraction of magnetism. Physics Education, 34 (6), 383.

• Finley, F. N. (1986) Evaluating instruction: The complementary use of clinical interviews. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 23 (17), 635-650.