======Magnetic Separation of Sand and Iron Filings======


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**Alternative titles:** Magnetic Separation
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place equal amounts of sand and iron filings into a plastic cup.  
  - Stir the mixture with a plastic spoon until well mixed.  
  - Ask students to predict what will happen when a magnet is placed near the mixture.  
  - Slowly bring a magnet close to the mixture. The iron filings will cling to the magnet, while the sand remains in the cup.  
  - Move the magnet over a second cup and carefully remove the iron filings by tapping or wiping the magnet, allowing them to fall into the new cup.  
  - Repeat the process until all the iron filings have been separated from the sand.



====Links==== 
Separating iron filings from sand - Chemistry NOTES: 
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Sample Science Lesson - Junior HighSchool Science - Separating an iron, sand and salt mixture - Make Science Fun: 
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📄 Magnetic Separation Lab Activity - cK-12: [[https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physical-science/magnet/make-a-simple-lab-work-for-elementary-students-involving-techniques-in-separating-mixtures-such-as-using-magnets/]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try separating different mixtures, such as paper clips mixed with rice, or coins mixed with buttons.
  * Add salt, and separate this by adding water and filtering.
  * Cover the magnet with a thin plastic bag or cling film for easier removal of the iron filings.  
  * Test which classroom objects are magnetic before starting the experiment.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure students do not place magnets near electronic devices or credit cards.  
  * Remind students not to put iron filings near their eyes, mouth, or nose.  
  * Wash hands after handling the materials.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the magnet attract iron filings but not sand? (Because iron is magnetic, while sand is not.)  
  * Can all metals be separated with magnets? (No, only ferromagnetic metals like iron, cobalt, and nickel respond strongly to magnets.)  
  * Where is magnetic separation used in everyday life? (In recycling, mining, and food safety to remove metal contaminants.)  
  * How could we separate mixtures where magnetism doesn’t work? (By using other methods such as filtration, evaporation, or sieving.)