How to make a magnetic Newton's cradle
magnets ks1 magnets ks2 primary lesson magnets magnets and forces resource magnets momentum spheres attract repel science design technology primary teaching education resources momentum lesson momentum lesson plan newton’s cradle with magnets newtons cradle magnetic magnetic cradle newtons cradle magnetic balls magnetic newtons cradle magnetic newton’s cradle
Learn how to make a magnetic Newton’s cradle using magnets that repel each other in this fun science experiment for kids
/media/2cbphekb/iet-favicon.png
Newton’s cradle uses swinging spheres to show how the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy works. The device was named after Sir Isaac Newton and designed by French scientist Edme Mariotte. What happens when you replace these spheres with magnets?

This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology. This resource focuses on producing a magnetic Newton’s cradle that uses magnets which repel each other instead of the usual metal spheres.

Activity: How to make a magnetic Newton's cradle

In this activity learners will make a Newton’s cradle using magnets, instead of the usual spherical pieces of metal. They will test their product and observe how it behaves compared to a regular Newton’s cradle. They will learn about how magnets have a north and south pole, and why they attract or repel each other.

This is a great way for students to learn all about magnets and could be used as a one-off activity or as part of a wider unit of work focusing on magnets and magnetism. It can also be used in conjunction with other IET Education resources, developed alongside the School of Engineering at Cardiff University.

Download the free and printable resources below for detailed notes and instructions on how to make a magnetic Newton's cradle.

This activity will take approximately 65-90 minutes.

Tools/resources required

Parts:

Circular magnets with holes in the middle (with N and S poles)

150 mm lengths of dowel

75 mm lengths dowel

100 – 120 mm long pieces of string (6 per unit being built)

Masking tape

Tools and equipment

Example of a ‘regular’ Newton’s cradle.

Scissors

Hot glue guns, if appropriate