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Magnets can be so much fun for kids to play with and learn from. The invisible force of the magnetic field seems almost like magic! Today I want to show you some creative magnet experiments (and PLAY) ideas for your next lesson on magnetism. If your kids want to learn more about magnets, this post will give you a wealth of ideas!
FUN Magnet Science Experiments and Activities
Magnetic Marble Mazes: For this activity you need magnet wands and magnetic marbles, plus my printable mazes!
Watch it:
The Magnet Bell Game: We used our magnet wands for this one, too, as well as some small colored bells. This does NOT have to be a Christmas game. 🙂
This Cow Magnet in a Bottle Experiment was loads of fun! My kids LOVED this magnet experiment.
Stacking Levitating Magnets: this magnet experiment uses ring magnets, a wooden skewer and play dough.
Milk Cap Magnet Boats: Save your milk and bottle caps for this playful magnet experiment in water.
This Magnet Pendulum: another great use for the magnet wands! This experiment tests to see which direction the wand swings when you move the magnets around. The magnetic force makes the wand swing in different patterns. It’s so fun to watch and to play with!
Watch it in action:
Magnet Science Fun for Kids– The magnet bottle experiment is an easy one to put together with things you may already have in your house You just need an empty plastic bottle, pipe cleaners, and a strong magnet that will attract the pipe cleaners. The attractive force of the magnet will pick up the pipe cleaners through the bottle!
Simple Machines Gear & Magnet Play for Kids: Use magnets to attach gears to a white board.
My kids like to collect small household objects and see which ones stick to the magnets. You could chart them in two columns.
You can have them try to put the same poles of the magnets together and see what happens. Then try with opposite poles- what’s the difference? Teach them the terms repel & attract.
See if they can make them move things with magnets. There is a fun experiment to get cars moving with magnets on this website.
Here are directions to make your own compass out of a magnet.
More Awesome Magnet Teaching and Play Ideas:
DIY Clay Alphabet Magnets from Moms & Crafters
Printable Funny Face Magnets from Moms & Crafters
DIY Car Magnet Play from Moms & Crafters
Magnet Music Notes from Let’s Play Music
Magnetic Slime from Little Bins for Little Hands
Magnetic Ice Science from Little Bins for Little Hands
Preschool Magnet Science Table from Little Bins for Little Hands
Creative Magnet Activity inspired by the book Let’s Play from Buggy and Buddy
Magnetic LED Lights from Buggy and Buddy
Defying Gravity with Magnets from Buggy and Buddy
Free Magnet Teaching Posters from The Wise Owl Factory
Skating Penguin Small World from Adventures and Play
Magnet Letters Connect the Dots from School Time Snippets
Magnetic Rainbow Name Busy Box from Mama.Papa.Bubba
Chicka-Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin from Mama.Papa.Bubba
Magnetic Polka Dot Sensory Bag from Mama.Papa.Bubba
Learning Letters with Magnets from Sunny Day Family
Alphabet Games: The Runaway Letter from Growing Book by Book
Letter Flies Game (The Very Busy Spider) from Growing Book by Book
Little Engine that Could Alphabet Activity from Growing Book by Book
Magnetic Sensory Bin from 3 Dinosaurs
Magnet Powered Car from The Science Kiddo
Fishing With Magnets from Rhythms of Play
Build Magnetic Metal Robots from Adventures in a Box
Primary Colors with Magnet Tiles from Days with Gray
Magnetic Road Trip Tin from Our Kid Things
Magnetic Paper Plate Fishing from Our Kid Things
Magnetic Math Game from Fantastic Fun & Learning
Preschool Magnet Experiments and Games from The Preschool Toolbox
Jen M says
New follower from the Friday Blog Hop! 🙂
Jen @ My Secret Home
The Adventurer says
Thanks for linking up to the NOBH:). My kids love magnets too. Going to check out the site on making your own compass my 2 would love that:)
Tracy says
Magnets are alot of fun and love your ideas! Thanks for linking up to NOBH! Happy Mother’s Day!