Why Is Learning about Magnetism So Important?

Everyone should get to know at least a little bit about the mysteries of the world around us, and one of those fields is magnetism. We encounter magnets multiple times in our daily lives, sometimes without even realizing their presence. They are found in every electric motor, in cabinet locks, or bike counters. In typical household appliances, electronics, or computers, there are at least a few of them, and sometimes even dozens. Earth itself is a giant magnet, and that's what compasses rely on for their operation. However, the situation is quite different in African countries compared to Western societies. The level of education in many African countries is very low, and students often struggle with access to basic knowledge. That's why any initiative that can improve this situation is very valuable and provides new opportunities for students in those regions. This was the case with the "Science Circus Africa" program. One of the areas the organizers focused on was magnetism, and thanks to collaboration with the Australian National University and AMF Magnets Australia, they were able to show many young people for the first time what magnets look like and how they work. The project involved more than 40,000 participants, which was a tremendous success for the organizers and demonstrated the need for such initiatives.