Exploring magnets is one of the first simple science activities that kids can experience because magnets are easy to use, fun, and common! What do you have on your fridge right now? Magnets! Setting up a simple magnet science activity is perfect for young kids and uses resources you already have! What is magnetic? What isn’t? Hands-on learning that is playful, too!
Simple Magnet Science Activity for Kids
Magnets are one of our favorite science tools to use in the preschool classroom.
Supplies Needed:
- Magnetic Wands or Bar Magnets
- Variety of items that are magnetic and are not magnetic. We also included a couple items that had a magnetic part on them, but were not completely magnetic.
- A bin or container to hold objects and two small bins or trays to separate items into magnetic or non-magnetic groups
Magnet Activity Set-Up
Determine how many items you want to test and place them in a bin! Take a look through your drawers and around your home and classroom for interesting objects. Make sure to get a variety of both magnetic and non-magnetic objects. You can even add a few that are not totally magnetic but have a magnetic part to encourage observation and problem solving skills. Add a magnetic wand and trays or containers to separate items after they are tested.
Exploring Magnets
I included all sorts of fun objects to explore. The bouncy ball was a big hit, but you may want to leave that one out in a classroom setting! Everything from a piece of wood, to a miniature car, to a mason jar ring, and a pipe cleaner. Nuts and bolts and keys and locks are fun to add especially since these items can also be used for a little fine motor play afterwards!
Invite the kids select an item from the bin. Ask them if they think it might be magnetic or not. Why do they think it is or it isn’t? This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about making predictions.
Test the item! Ask them questions. What do they observe? Is the item magnetic or not magnetic? Have them place the item in the correct bin or on the correct tray that is labeled “magnetic” or “non-magnetic.” {Labels “yes” and “no” work well, too.} Repeat with all the items until the container is empty. Leave some time for open-ended exploration. My son loves to try and pick up every magnetic object at once with the wand! How many did they pick up? Have them count the items!
What Is Magnetism?
Young kids learn by exploring, observing, and figuring out the way things work by experimenting. Exploring magnets encourages all of these. Magnetism is an attraction that two items have making them stick together! Even from a distance magnets can find each other because of their magnetic field. A magnetic field is an invisible area all around the magnet that attracts other magnetic material.
Simple STEM activities such as using magnets is a wonderful way to get kids thinking, problem-solving, and experimenting with everyday items. There are many ways you can explore magnets. Why not let your kids take the magnetic wand around the house or classroom and see what they can find that is magnetic. This is a fun way to add movement to your science activity!
Preschool Science Curriculum
Having amazing science experiences in your preschool classroom is wonderful, but without a rock solid science curriculum to follow, you’ll be throwing spaghetti at the wall and just hoping some of it sticks. For true foundational learning to occur in your preschool classroom, you need a standards-based curriculum that is both engaging and developmentally appropriate for young children.
A high-quality science curricula serves as a framework upon which the content is built and delivered to the students. For example, this is how students will begin to understand that cyclical changes take place in nature and animals. Without a research-based science curriculum, your kids may think these changes are magical or occur without reason or purpose.
With 18 comprehensive units, the Trailblazer Science Curriculum for Preschool is standards aligned so you can rest easy knowing your little learners are getting exactly what they need to build a strong foundation for future scientific success.
BIO: Sarah is the creator of Little Bins for Little Hands where she shares simple science experiments, STEM activities, and tactile sensory play recipes. She is also the proud mom of a busy little boy. Check out their favorite science experiments and STEM projects all year long!
