Magnets Science Unit for 4th & 5th Grade

Students will explore what magnets are, how they work, how magnetic force acts at a distance, and how magnets are used in everyday life and modern technology.

Each lesson builds understanding through hands-on activities, investigations, PowerPoints, stations, and simple reading passages — perfect for making magnetism accessible and exciting for all learners.

Teachers often struggle to:

• Explain magnetic interactions in greater depth so students understand how and why magnets behave the way they do
• Model attraction, repulsion, and magnetic field strength in ways students can clearly observe
• Support students in testing and comparing magnetic strength using evidence gathered from investigations
• Guide students in predicting how magnets will interact at different distances and explaining the reasons for these outcomes
• Describe Earth’s magnetic field and connect it to real-world applications
• Help students analyze how magnets are used in technology and engineering
• Teach students to use evidence to support their claims about magnetic force
• Demonstrate how magnetic force can act through objects so students can visualize forces that act at a distance

Our Magnets Unit solves common teaching challenges with thoughtfully designed resources that make science fun and meaningful. With PowerPoints, reading passages, stations, and an assessment, students will learn key vocabulary, investigate real-life reactions, and apply their learning in engaging ways.

What’s Included:

• 4 Interactive PowerPoint Lessons
• Informational Reading Passage
• Magnet Investigation Activity
• Magnetic Maze STEM Challenge
• Complete Student Booklet with 10 interactive lessons
• 3 Science Stations for review
• 20 Task Cards for Reinforcement
• Final Assessment with Answer Key
• Complete Daily Lesson Plans
• Vocabulary Cards

Skills Covered:

• Explaining magnetic interactions in greater depth
• Modeling attraction, repulsion, and magnetic field strength
• Testing and comparing magnetic strength using evidence
• Predicting how magnets interact at different distances
• Explaining Earth’s magnetic field and real-world applications
• Analyzing how magnets are used in technology and engineering
• Using evidence to support claims about magnetic force
• Demonstrating how magnetic force can act through objects

How to Use in the Classroom:

Follow our 10-day sequence or adapt it to fit your pacing:

• Day 1: What Is a Magnet? – PPT Lesson + real-world examples
• Day 2: Magnet Investigation – testing, recording data, patterns
• Day 3: Magnetic Poles – attraction/repulsion modeling
• Day 4: Magnetic Strength – controlled testing
• Day 5: Earth’s Magnetism – compass + field modeling
• Day 6: Informational Passage – magnets in technology
• Day 7: STEM Challenge – magnetic movement engineering
• Day 8: Science Stations – evidence sort, interaction cases, vocabulary
• Day 9: Task Cards – 20-question review
• Day 10: Assessment

❤️❤️ Why You’ll Love This Resource ❤️❤️

• Print-and-go format saves hours of prep time
• Engaging mix of direct instruction and interactive activities
• Leveled for grades 4-5, so you can choose what works best
• Thoughtful guidance for teaching sensitive topics with confidence
• Builds critical thinking skills through meaningful discussion

Watch your students develop deeper understanding as they explore the importance of equality and justice through this engaging, comprehensive unit!