Get ready for some hands-on fun with Magnet Magic—an exciting and easy science experiment that introduces your child to the fascinating world of magnets.
Using simple household items, this activity helps kids practice sorting, classifying, and making predictions, while learning the basic principles of magnetism.
Materials You’ll Need:
- A variety of small household objects (e.g., paperclips, coins, screws, buttons, erasers)
- Clear plastic box (like a recycled food container)
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Magnets
- Small containers for sorting
Instructions:
1. Dump and Sort
Start by dumping a mix of small objects onto the table. Include a mix of metal and non-metal items, like paperclips, coins, screws, buttons, and erasers.
Hand your child a magnet and ask them to use it to “clean up” the objects. They’ll discover that some items stick to the magnet, while others do not. Have them sort the objects into two groups: one for magnetic items and one for non-magnetic items.
Variation: Try adding new objects from around the house, and ask your child to predict if they’ll be magnetic before testing them.
2. Magnet Magic in Action
For the next part of the experiment, cut up several pipe cleaners and place the pieces inside a clear plastic box. Have your child press the magnet against the outside of the box and move it around. They’ll be amazed to see the pipe cleaners jump and follow the magnet around, as if by magic!
This simple demonstration shows how magnets can move objects without even touching them.
3. Make Predictions
Encourage your child to experiment with different objects inside the plastic box. Ask them to think of other small items they could place in the box. Can they predict which objects will be attracted to the magnet and which won’t? Let them test their ideas and see what happens!
What’s Happening?
Magnets attract certain types of metal, like iron, nickel, and cobalt. In the first part of the experiment, your child explores which objects contain these materials and which do not. In the second part, they learn that the pipe cleaners, though colorful, have a thin strip of metal inside, allowing the magnet to pull them through the plastic box.
Extensions and Variations:
- Magnetic Treasure Hunt: Turn the experiment into a treasure hunt by hiding small magnetic objects around the room for your child to find using their magnet.
- Water and Magnet Play: Try dropping small magnetic items into a shallow tray of water and let your child use a magnet to fish them out!
- Build a Magnet Maze: Place magnetic objects on one side of a sheet of paper or cardboard, and have your child guide them through a maze by moving the magnet on the opposite side.
Why This Activity is Magical:
Kids are naturally curious, and Magnet Magic taps into their desire to explore and discover. Not only do they get to experience the “magical” power of magnets, but they also build problem-solving skills, practice classifying objects, and make scientific predictions—all through play.
So, grab your magnets, round up some household items, and let the magic begin!
Related post: 100 Easy Science Experiments For Kids
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
