A Job for a Magnet is a free printable Grade 3 science worksheet on defining a design problem that magnets could solve, aligned to NGSS performance expectation 3-PS2-4. It prints 2 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.
Set 1 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.
Draw a line from each problem to the magnet solution.
1.Draw a line from each one to its match.
Steel pins are hard to pick out of a can
The classroom door swings open in a draught
A cupboard door will not stay closed
Screws get lost on the workshop floor
A.A magnet on a stick to sweep them up
B.A magnetic catch to hold it shut
C.A magnet lowered into the can
D.A magnetic strip on the frame
2.Draw a line from each one to its match.
Notes fall off the whiteboard
Steel paperclips get mixed into the sand tray
A fridge list keeps blowing off
Two toy carriages keep coming apart
A.A magnet dragged through to lift them out
B.Magnets at each end so they hold together
C.A magnet holding it to the door
D.Magnets to hold the paper against the steel
LessonPrint · 3-PS2-4 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use
Answer key — A Job for a Magnet
Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.
1.1. Steel pins are hard to pick out of a can — C (A magnet lowered into the can) 2. The classroom door swings open in a draught — B (A magnetic catch to hold it shut) 3. A cupboard door will not stay closed — D (A magnetic strip on the frame) 4. Screws get lost on the workshop floor — A (A magnet on a stick to sweep them up)
2.1. Notes fall off the whiteboard — D (Magnets to hold the paper against the steel) 2. Steel paperclips get mixed into the sand tray — A (A magnet dragged through to lift them out) 3. A fridge list keeps blowing off — C (A magnet holding it to the door) 4. Two toy carriages keep coming apart — B (Magnets at each end so they hold together)
Questions about A Job for a Magnet
What does the A Job for a Magnet worksheet cover?
It practices defining a design problem that magnets could solve — 2 questions for Grade 3, all on NGSS 3-PS2-4: Define a problem that magnets could solve. The instruction to students is “Draw a line from each problem to the magnet solution”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.
Which NGSS performance expectation does A Job for a Magnet practice?
3-PS2-4, under Physical Science for Grade 3. The published performance expectation reads: “Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.” The worksheet assesses that performance expectation rather than a paraphrase of it.
What age or grade is this worksheet for?
A Job for a Magnet is written for Grade 3, typically ages 8-9. It is one of the sheets on 3-PS2-4, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.
Does A Job for a Magnet come with an answer key?
Yes. All 2 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.
How many different versions of A Job for a Magnet can I print?
25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.
Is A Job for a Magnet free to print and photocopy?
Yes. A Job for a Magnet, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.
Is there a lesson plan to teach 3-PS2-4?
Yes — “A Job for a Magnet” is a 55-minute Grade 3 plan for 3-PS2-4, timed section by section, with the misconceptions to expect and an exit ticket. A Job for a Magnet is the practice that follows it.
More practice for 3-PS2-4
Define a problem that magnets could solve.
Teaching this next? A Job for a Magnet is the 55-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.