Grade 3 · Science · Engineering

3rd Grade Magnets and Engineering Design worksheets

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Magnets and Engineering Design

Grade 3 Science Worksheet - Building Confidence

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
A magnet is held near a steel paper clip. What happens?
- nothing happens to the clip
- the clip is pulled to the magnet
- the clip is pushed away
2.
Which object will a magnet pick up?
- a plastic button
- an iron nail
- a wooden spoon
3.
Two magnets have their north poles facing each other. What happens?
- they stick at the middle
- they pull together
- they push apart
4.
A north pole faces a south pole. What happens?
- they spin around
- they push apart
- they pull together
5.
Can a magnet pull a paper clip through a sheet of paper?
- no, paper stops all magnets
- no, magnets must touch to work
- yes, magnets can pull without touching
6.
Where can a magnet hold up a note?
- on a steel fridge door
- on a glass window
- on a wooden door
7.
A balloon is rubbed on hair, and then it sticks to a wall. What causes this?
- magnetism
- static electricity
- gravity
8.
Which object is not pulled by a magnet?
- an aluminum can
- an iron nail
- a steel can
9.
What happens to a magnet's pull as you move it farther from a paper clip?
- it gets weaker
- it gets stronger
- it stays the same
10.
A cabinet door has a magnet latch. What does the magnet do?
- makes the door open by itself
- makes the door lighter
- keeps the door closed

3rd Grade Magnets and Engineering Design worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Magnets and engineering design connect magnetic and electric forces with solutions to practical problems helps third graders connect observations with scientific explanations instead of memorizing isolated facts. Students may think magnets attract every metal, or that magnets must touch an object to move it. This worksheet uses short evidence-based situations so students must read the setup, identify the pattern, and choose the answer that fits the science idea named in the title. Students predict attraction and repulsion, test how distance and materials change magnetic force, compare static electricity with magnetism, and choose magnet designs for latches and sorters.

Support versions use familiar examples and direct wording. Standard and challenge versions add closer distractors and require more comparison. Encourage your child to point to the evidence in the prompt before choosing an answer. If the answer does not explain the observation or solve the stated problem, it is probably a distractor. That habit builds careful science reasoning and prepares students for longer investigations.

What your child will learn

Predict attraction and repulsion
Test distance and materials
Compare magnetic and electric forces
Solve design problems with magnets

NGSS standard: 3-PS2-3

Worked example

A magnet lifts steel cans but not aluminum cans, so a magnet on a conveyor belt can sort cans for recycling.

Common mistake

Assuming every metal is attracted to a magnet.

Helpful hint

Use the test result before choosing the design.

Earlier: Forces and Motion

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with magnets and engineering design?

Assuming every metal is attracted to a magnet.

How can I help my child with magnets and engineering design?

Use the test result before choosing the design.

Are these 3rd grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade engineering

See all engineering

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