Children absolutely love playing with magnets because they are fun but also because they make you feel like a scientist! This is a great way to set up a science exploration table in either an indoor or outdoor classroom. Magnets are a great way to explore physical properties of different objects as you use experimentation to discern whether it is made of metal or not, which is very useful when we talk about recycling.
Set up Time: 5 minutes
Directions
- Gather together collected metal materials, magnet wands, as well as some other interesting materials that children can test.
- You can leave these materials out as part of a “Science table” (make a sign that makes it feel special) that children can return to many days in a row.
Other extensions:
Here are some example research questions and corresponding materials:
- Is it strong? Explore by making a long chain of metal objects.
- How do magnets work? Explore with different types of textures of metal.
- Is it metal? Explore with felt, foam, and a sparkly egg.
Materials
- Magnet wand
- Collected metal materials
Material Notes
Safety Warning: Small metal parts present a dangerous choking hazard for young children. Choose items appropriate for the children in your care (e.g., items larger than the width of a toilet paper tube for children who could put things in their mouths). Also be sure the metal loose parts do not have sharp edges.
Caution: only use magnets that are contained safely within a magnet wand.
Learning Through Play
Cognitive: Problem Solving – We just love exploring problem-solving with magnets! As you can see in the directions, you can develop children’s curiosity by asking lots of research questions. We led our inquiry with questions like, “How do magnets work? Is it metal? How strong are magnets?” These are very much the types of questions that engineers might also ask themselves at recycling centers when figuring out how to sort metal materials with giant industrial magnets!
Social-Emotional: Empowerment – Magnets are VERY fun, and children might find out through exploration that there is metal all around. If the children decide that they want to walk with their magnets, take them outside or even ask to borrow the magnet wands and take them home. We encourage you to find a way to make this possible! This curiosity is precious, and children might continue to ask the question “Is it metal?” when exploring the world around them.
School Readiness: Sorting – Magnets are a fantastic way to learn all about the physical properties of different materials! This is a pretty advanced level of sorting that children can figure out through trial and error, with the support of a loving educators or caregiver who asks lots of questions while children play.
See this activity in the Rayz Kidz app along with the other fun pretend play activities. Rayz Kidz is your trusted source for play-based activities featuring over 100 themes and 500+ hands-on activities and clear descriptions of the beautiful learning that is happening through play.
