We have a little magnet kit that we play with frequently. It's great fun, and the children are always so surprised that they can actually feel the force pushing the magnets apart.
To explain magnetism further, we made a magnet maze.
First, we played to see which type of objects a big magnet stuck to. Once we'd decided metals were the key, we made predictions about other objects and tested them. Another idea is to draw a table to make this activity more formal.
Remember - not all metals are attracted to magnets, but iron and steel ( steel is mostly iron ) are.
Mini Magnet Maze
You'll need:
- Thick cardboard or a paper plate
- A magnet wand
- Metal paperclip
- Cardboard
- Pens
How to make a mini magnet maze
- Draw a maze on the cardboard or paper plate
- Draw a cardboard bug or any shape you like.
- Place a paperclip over the bug.
- Place the paperclip at the start of your maze and the magnet underneath the paper plate.
- As you move the magnet, the bug should move, too.
I also have a car track magnet maze template you might like.
All about Magnets
Magnets attract some objects but not others and can have different strengths.
Magnets have two poles, one called the north pole and one called the south pole. Depending on which poles you place together, they either attract each other or repel. Opposite poles attract.
What can a magnet do?
Magnets attract magnetic materials. Iron, cobalt and nickel are naturally magnetic metals. Alloys containing these metals, for example, steel ( which contains iron ), are also magnetic.
If you rub a magnetic material with a magnet, it will temporarily become magnetic!
You can also use electricity to make an electromagnet.
More Magnet Experiments for Kids
Defy gravity with magnets with this cool science trick. The magnet on the top of the box attracts the paperclip underneath. The paperclip is fixed by a string, so it appears to float under the magnet.
Make a LEGO magnet maze. This is a brilliant activity because it involves planning and creating the maze first, so it takes a bit of time and allows children to work as a team.
We also love these magnet powered cars!
Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
This is great! The possibilities are endless for how you could personalize this.
ScienceSparks says
Thanks Trisha x
Mammasaurus says
Ooo this is another neat idea! Kitty would like this one I'm sure 🙂
ScienceSparks says
Cheers Annie. x
Gemma Mills / Chamberlain (MyMillsBaby) says
Seriously cool - this one is really easy. I tried this yesterday with Dexter and he couldn't figue out how it was happening. Great little magic trick for the really weeney ones.
Laura M says
This is SO cool! I agree with Trisha, the possibilities are endless!
Cat (Yellow Days) says
This is such a fun idea for introducing the idea of magnetism working through an object. I've made it one of my featured picks on this weeks Parenting Pin-it Party.
Anna@The Measured Mom says
Such a fun idea! Thanks so much for sharing at the After School linky.
ScienceSparks says
Thanks. x
Deceptively Educational says
Great activity! This is SUCH a fun way to incorporate play into a lesson on magnetism. I'm featuring this tomorrow on my blog at the After School Linky Party. Stop by to check it out and keep sharing!