The discovery of elementary magnetic properties in preschool age

SUMMARY This paper refers to learning situations which take place within the framework of a constructivist pedagogy. We shall present the results of research relating to the construction of elementary magnetic properties in preschool children. Five years old children, in small groups, had at their disposal different types of magnets as well as diverse objects which could be attracted by them. We formed the hypothesis that by performing various activities (playing) with them, the children on the one hand would discover the attractive force exerted on certain metallic materials and on the other would distinguish the objects which were not thus attracted. We also formed the hypothesis that the children would discover the mutual forces of interaction by manipulating the magnets. The teachers observed the activities, encouraged and questioned each child and intervened in order to help the children to coordinate their activities which were becoming more and more complex. The content analysis of the protocols gave us results which seem to confirm our hypotheses.