The world is full of pushes and pulls. Pushes and pulls are forces in action. A magnet is special; it can push or pull something without touching it.

Magnets work because all the tiny magnets (domains) that make them up face in the same direction; they all push and pull the same way. The centres of push and pull are called the poles of the magnet. Poles that are the same repel (push) each other. Poles that are different attract (pull) each other.

Magnets also attract some metals. Springs exert forces, too. They push back if you squeeze them; and pull back if you stretch them. When you let them go, they go back to their original shape. We use magnets and springs in many different ways.