Magic Flying Carpet in a Jar: Magnet Science Experiment for Kids

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If your kids love magical stories and science experiments, they’ll be thrilled by this magnet-powered activity inspired by the book Mossby’s Magic Carpet Handbook by Ilona Bray. In this fun STEAM project, kids will create their own magic flying carpet in a jar—powered by magnets! It’s a playful way to introduce magnetism and invisible forces while tying in imaginative storytelling.

About the Book That Inspired This Activity

Mossby’s Magic Carpet Handbook is a beautifully illustrated and creative hardcover book that acts as a magical field guide. It’s written as a collection of letters and notes from a great-aunt to her grandniece/nephew on how to operate a real magic carpet. With details like carpet symbols, ancient dyes, and magical travel tips, it’s an inspiring and whimsical read perfect for sparking curiosity.

We loved the book so much that we decided to create a science activity to go along with it—and that’s how our flying magic carpet in a jar was born!

How to Make the Magic Flying Carpet In a Jar

Supplies You’ll Need

• 1 pint-size jar (glass or clear plastic)
• Yarn (5–6 inches)
• 2 paperclips (1 large, 1 small)
• 2 strong round magnets
• Tape
• Printable “magic carpet” graphics

Cut out your printable characters and magic carpet. You can draw your own or use my free downloadable graphic.

Attach the person or character to the large paperclip. Then tie a piece of yarn to the end of that clip. Loop the smaller paperclip onto the larger one so it can “float” with movement.

Place two magnets on the underside of the lid. These should be strong enough to pull the paperclips upward once the lid is closed.

Tape the bottom of the yarn to the inside base of the jar. Adjust the string length so the paperclips can reach near the top of the jar.

Screw the lid onto the jar. The magnets will attract the paperclips, and the “person” on the magic carpet will appear to fly!

Gently tilt or tap the jar. The floating paperclips will move and make the character sway or spin—just like magic!

The Science Behind the Magic Flying Carpet

This activity is a great introduction to magnetism:

• Magnets attract certain metals—like the paperclips—through non-magnetic materials such as plastic, glass, and air.
• The force of the magnet can pull an object upward, even when it’s not touching, demonstrating invisible forces.
• Kids learn about attraction, polarity, and magnetic strength through trial, error, and creative exploration.

Encourage your kids to ask questions like:

• What happens if I use only one paperclip?
• Will it work with different-sized jars?
• Can I make the “carpet” fly higher or lower?

Extend the Learning

• Magnet Sort: Test household items to see what is magnetic.
• Magnetic Mazes: Move a paperclip through a maze using a magnet under the page.
• Magnet Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around the house for magnetic vs. non-magnetic items.
• Creative Writing Prompt: Have your child write a story about where their magic carpet takes them!

More Magnet Science Activities:

Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss my roundup of 40 Magnet Science ideas!