Lesson Objective: To develop trust in the fact that many of the things that are truly real in life on Earth today are invisible. As we connect to the energy of the earth in an intimate way we are consciously in touch with all that is. Using magnets, and the properties of physical science as a basis for understanding, we become able to "trust" some things that we cannot see.

Kind of Activity: This can be done as an individual or group activity and is appropriate for all age groups.

Materials Required
Two ring magnets and one unsharpened pencil per participant

Estimated Time to Complete this Lesson:
There are a couple of natural break points in this lesson it can be done in 30 minutes, an hour or longer.

Description of Activity:
Begin your time together by talking about how you know that something is real. Many times people will say if they see it...can touch it, etc. Directing the conversation to the invisible, what if you can't see something. Talk about what you know is real but you cannot see. This conversation can take many different directions, toward trust, spirit, feeling, emotion. If we read something in a newspaper or book does it mean that it is true?

Hand out the pencils and magnets and ask the students if they know what they are. Ask them to turn one over on the pencil and see it float in mid-air. Can you make them touch? No. The space between the magnets is called an electromagnetic field. You can not see it, but you can feel it in a way, and it is very real.

Everything on earth is magnetic... the planet, the people and everything else. Some things are more magnetic than others, such as magnetic metals (iron, nickel and cobalt), but all things are magnetic.

Next, each person can work with a partner. Rub hands together vigorously for a few moments and then palms forward toward the other person until you feel a tickling vibration. This is the human electromagnetic field or aura. Mine and yours touching.

Take time to talk about how this feels. You can also do the same thing with plants, trees and other forms of life. Mother Earth herself is magnetic. In this moment of exploration and wonder, each participant can close his/her eyes for a moment, with feet flat on the floor, or ground if you are out of doors and feel your connection to the vibration of the Earth. (Note: I have found that about 75% of participants, children and adults are able to physically "feel" the energy)

Next, again working with a partner. Each take one of your magnets and hold it out toward the other person, until they meet or push away. This will happen in an arbitrary way. More than likely half the people will attract with the partner and half will repel. Ask them not to change the outcome, just stay with it.

Talk about how this happens when we meet another person. Sometimes we instantly like someone and other times there is something about the person that causes us to pull back (not feel comfortable) and keep distance. These are feelings that happen to people every day. A question for discussion: How can we be more compassionate when there is no attraction? Now...what if you want to try to change this relationship? You want to move back a bit... you are feeling too close or you want to get closer. One person may move his/her magnet, but the other person might also at the same time... and in this movement without cooperation or discussion, there is no change. Talk about this.

If we talk to our partner and decide who should move the magnet, or if anyone should, the outcome will be more pleasant and effective for everyone. Questions to ask: How do we decide who will move? Why should I move if he/she doesn't? What if I want to change things, but you don't?

You can take this activity to many places depending on time constraints, age and interest of the group. There are many other things that you can do with the magnets in subsequent lessons, such as showing how they work from beneath a table (or desk) and talking about polarity of the earth, and opposites.

Note: A great addition to the human energy field activity is to construct a pendulum out of string and a paper clip and talk to your body. This teaches children to trust their inner wisdomÉ knowing that all the answers are within.

Submitted by: Donna L. Goodman, Peace Educator and Program Development Specialist, Earth Child Institute.