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Home » Early Years Science » Mini Magnet Maze STEM Challenge

Mini Magnet Maze STEM Challenge

Modified: Feb 4, 2025 · Published: May 16, 2020 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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.

Space themed magnet maze - easy magnet experiment for kids #scienceforkids #magnetexperiments

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.
Fun butterfly magnet maze for kids made on a paper  plate
  • 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.
magnet maze

I also have a car track magnet maze template you might like.

magnetic car track science activity for preschoolers

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.

Magnets, opposite poles attract, like poles repel diagram

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.

magnet trick from This IS Rocket Science

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.

LEGO magnet maze

We also love these magnet powered cars!

magnetic cars
Easy magnet experiment for kids. Make a magnet maze to learn about magnetism #scienceforkids #magnetexperiments

Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Emma Vanstone

More Early Years Science

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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. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

    August 16, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    This is great! The possibilities are endless for how you could personalize this.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 20, 2013 at 8:03 pm

      Thanks Trisha x

      Reply
  2. Mammasaurus

    August 17, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Ooo this is another neat idea! Kitty would like this one I’m sure 🙂

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 20, 2013 at 8:10 pm

      Cheers Annie. x

      Reply
  3. Gemma Mills / Chamberlain (MyMillsBaby)

    August 19, 2013 at 11:23 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. Laura M

    August 20, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    This is SO cool! I agree with Trisha, the possibilities are endless!

    Reply
  5. Cat (Yellow Days)

    August 26, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    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.

    Reply
  6. Anna@The Measured Mom

    August 31, 2013 at 1:27 am

    Such a fun idea! Thanks so much for sharing at the After School linky.

    Reply
    • ScienceSparks

      August 31, 2013 at 6:30 pm

      Thanks. x

      Reply
  7. Deceptively Educational

    September 02, 2013 at 3:29 am

    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!

    Reply

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