Brad and Brian can use their scientific knowledge of magnets to determine which objects can be removed from the mixture. The items that can be removed have the quality of being magnetic. Bran and Brian can remove the iron filings and paperclips from the mix because they are both metal and magnetic. The other objects are made of materials that would not be attracted to the magnet.

This problem can be solved, but it is tricky! Not touching the car is the hardest part because everyone is used to steering them with their hands. Drew could use a magnet to solve this problem because magnets do not need to touch to attract other magnetic items. He could hold the magnet above the car and steer it through the maze.

These are all items that hikers use, and they solve problems for them while they are out in the woods. The only thing that relies on magnets though, is the compass. A water bottle, hiking boots, and a map are all helpful but do not rely on magnets. A compass works because the magnet responds to Earth's magnetic field. Earth is like a giant magnet that creates a magnetic field. The north end of a compass is drawn to align with Earth's magnetic North Pole. While the hikers move through the woods, the compass' needle moves towards the North end of to help them find their way.

Magnets seem like they might only be suitable for holding the grocery list on the refrigerator, but they have many uses and can solve simple problems dealing with movement. Magnets can attract/pull and repel/push other magnetic objects creating movement. If something needs to be moved and it has a magnetic quality using a magnet is a simple way to complete the task.

This solution works because the metal is magnetic, so a magnet will be attracted to it and stick to it. The paper is light, so a strong magnet is not needed. If the door were made of a material that does not have a magnetic quality, the magnet would not work, and an alternate solution would be required.

Mrs. Harley had a good idea to use a magnet to hold the sign up because the metal door has magnetic properties, but the sign is too heavy for the size magnet she selected. Mrs. Harley will need to choose a larger or stronger magnet to hold up the weight of the sign. Wood can be dense and heavy, so it is dragging the magnet down and falling off the door. A stronger magnet will solve this problem.

Melissa could use any of the solutions for her class project. All of the solutions use a magnet to solve a common problem and are reasonable ideas. Keeping a bag sealed, reaching metal objects up high, and keeping a door closed are all issues a magnet (or two) could solve.

Mrs. Allen wants to keep her glasses handy but doesn't want to wear them on her neck, head, or in a pocket. Her glasses are made of metal, and she has a magnetic whiteboard so she could use a magnet to attach them. Placing the magnet on the board and then attaching the glasses to the magnet will keep them from getting lost, and they will be in an easy to find place.

The statement in the question is true. A common problem is something that can often happen and in someone's everyday, ordinary life. Salt and pepper shakers are sold as a set but can easily get separated if someone sets one down and forgets about it rather than putting them back together. If they have magnets attached to the sides of them, they can be stuck together, so they never get separated.

Using scientific knowledge about magnets and their capabilities can help solve problems that we face in the real-world. If Mindy needs to remove the iron filings, she can use a magnet to remove them from the sand, dirt, and rice. The sand, dirt, and iron filings would slip through the sifter because they are so tiny, tweezers would not be able to sort the small filings out of the mixture, and a microscope would help Mindy see the iron filings better but would not help her separate them.