This spooky science trick uses a magnet and a paper clip to make paper ghosts seem to fly through the air. It's a fantastic way to learn about magnets and gravity with a fun Halloween twist!
You can either draw your own bats, ghosts and other Halloween images or use my FREE handy template!
Flying Ghosts and Bat Activity
To make flying ghosts and bats, you'll need
- Scissors
- Paper clip
- String
- Magnet
- Tape
Instructions
Carefully cut around the images from the template, or draw your own.
Cut a piece of string about 10 cm long. Tape one end to a surface and one end to the bottom of one of the images.
Place a paper clip on top of one of the images.
Hold a magnet above the paperclip and watch the ghosts and bats fly.
It's a bit tricky to get the distance between the paper clip and the magnet just right, but keep trying! You might need to tape the paper clip to the image so it doesn't jump up to the magnet.
What's going on?
The magnetic force between the paperclip on the paper ghost and the magnet is stronger than the force of gravity pulling the ghost down. This means the ghost stays suspended in the air rather than falling to the ground.
More Ghost Science Experiments
Learn about static electricity with a jumping ghost. Tissue paper ghosts jump up to a balloon that's been charged with static electricity.
Find out more about magnets with magnetic ghosts!
Learn about capillary action with magic opening ghosts! This activity uses folded paper ghosts that seem to magically spring open when placed on the surface of water.
Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
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