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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » 10 Fantastic Magnet Experiments for Kids

    10 Fantastic Magnet Experiments for Kids

    July 14, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

    Our magnet wands are one of our most used pieces of science kit and are perfect for all kinds of magnet experiments and investigations. When my children were little, they wandered around the house “testing” things to see if they were magnetic, and then we went through a phase of magnet-powered cars, boats and anything else we could make move.

    Magnets are great for experiments and investigative activities as children can feel the force between them but can’t see it, which can feel almost magical!

    If you like these, don’t forget we’ve got 100s more free science experiments and activities to try.

    Magnet Experiments for Preschoolers

    Magnet Maze

    Magnet mazes are fantastic as they are super easy to make and can be themed to the child’s interest. We’ve had lots of fun with mini magnet mazes over the years, but there’s nothing to stop you from making a giant version!

    LEGO magnet mazes are great fun too!

    Paper plate with 3 flowers drawn in the centre with a felt tip pen.  A dotted line links the flowers. On top of the plate is a magnet wand and a cardboard bee with a paperclip attached.

    Crazy Pipe Cleaner Hair

    Draw a head of a person and give them a new hairstyle using a magnet wand and some pipe cleaners.

    a drawing of a head with hair. On top of the head are segments of pipe cleaner cut to look like hair. Under the paper is a magnet wand

    Magnet Scavenger Hunt

    We love this magnetic scavenger hunt from Inspiration Laboratories.

    Another idea is to hide magnetic items and add clues or codes for children to break, leading them to the next thing.

    Magnet Sensory Bottle

    Sensory bottles are great fun for little ones, and these magnet sensory bottles are extra special. Move the magnet wand up and down, and the objects that are attracted to the magnet also move up and down!

    magnet sensory bottle. Plastic bottle filled with water. Several magnetic discs and coins are inside. A pink magnet wand is on the outside.

    How strong is a magnet?

    Find out how strong your magnet is using felt squares. Investigate how many felt squares it takes to stop two magnet wands from being attracted to each other.

    Another idea is to set up an investigation using different types of magnets and materials.

    Two magnet wands with about 7 small pieces of felt separating them. The magnets are still attracted to each other.

    Ice and Magnet Experiments

    This ice and magnet activity from Little Bins for Little Hands looks great fun.

    Find a story to recreate

    We recently watched an episode of the Clangers where the Iron Chicken gets trapped in a pile of space rubbish. Straight away, my little girls disappeared to recreate the scene with our magnets and a stash of toys.

    They created a magnet fishing rod using a stick and some string. Used plastic toys for space rubbish and made an ‘Iron chicken’ using kitchen foil with a magnet inside. It wasn’t entirely accurate to the story, but they did very well with the resources they had.

    During the episode, Small and Tiny first use nets to clear the space junk to free the Iron Chicken, but their nets break. We used the opportunity to discuss materials that might have strengthened the nets. Major Clanger then uses a magnet to collect the space rubbish. The girls predicted correctly that the space rubbish would weigh down the flying music boat!

    Clangers

    Magnet Experiments for Older Children

    This magnetic slime and electromagnetic train Frugal Fun for Boys look AMAZING!!

    Extract iron from breakfast cereal? Remember to be very careful using strong magnets.

    Babble Dabble Do has some incredible magnet tricks that are like magic!

    Did you know you can use magnets to defy gravity? Can you see how the cardboard and paperclip seem to be floating?

    Defy gravity with this awesome magnet experiment for kids. Use a magnet, string and paperclip!
    Image taken from This IS Rocket Science

    If you’re looking for a great magnet set, this one from Learning Resources is our absolute favourite!

    Can you think of any more magnet experiments for us?

    Easy Magnet Experiments for kids. Defy gravity, go magnet fishing, make a magnet maze and lots more magnet science

    Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cerys

      July 15, 2015 at 9:22 am

      Great set of ideas for magnetism – do you have any recommendations of where to get good magnets for kids from that allow open-ended exploration?

      Reply
    2. Sarah

      July 18, 2015 at 10:43 am

      Wow! I just discovered your site…so much great science stuff! My 3yo says that he is a science kid (like Sid!) so thank you for all of the great ideas even for the little ones!

      Reply
    3. aistin

      July 23, 2015 at 6:17 am

      I read your tips to learning about magnetism is very helpful to connect two magnetism each other
      Also read your baby picture made so cute in television

      Reply
    4. Rohit

      October 29, 2015 at 2:10 am

      😀 that idea of moving picture is nice.
      Amazing article. Enjoyed reading.

      Reply

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