Abstract
In this study a new teaching material was developed for pupils to learn the nature of magnets. This teaching material consisted of metal in powder form, which retains magnetism only when the powder is in the a tree-like structure. In the magnetic field, metal was easily magnetized and the tree-like structure was formed. After the tree-like structure was destroyed, its magnetism was completely lost. This teaching material was tested for third graders (experimental group) in science class of a public elementary school. The same graders (control group) took a conventional lesson in their science class. Analyses of answers to questionnaires, for pupils of both groups revealed the following two points: 1) Pupils in the experimental group had a better understanding of magnetism and magnetization than those in the control group. 2) Pupils in the experimental group had increased interest, inquiring spirit and active learning. It is thus suggested that the new teaching material is useful for pupils to experimentally understand the nature of magnets.
