Magnetic Activities For Kids

Magnets are part of science. Parents and teachers can encourage children to explore magnets with magnet activities that allow discovery and experimentation or create an interesting game. Magnet activities range from in-class options to on-the-road options to keep children entertained and interested for hours.

Magnet Kite

Magnet kite is an activity that requires paper, a paperclip, string, tape, scissors and a strong magnet. The paper is cut into a diamond shape (like a kite). Cut the paper so that it is around 3 inches long. Attach a paper clip to one of the corners. A string is taped to the paper and then taped to the desk or table. Move the magnet so that it picks up the paperclip. Pull it back until the string is tight and then pull the paperclip away from the magnet. Move the magnet slightly out of range and observe the "kite." It should continue to float in the air. Children learn about magnetic fields with the activity.

Magnet Discovery

For young children, such as preschool-aged children, magnets are largely undiscovered and interesting. Parents or teachers can provide magnets for the children. The children then move around the room and put the magnets against various objects. The magnets will attract some items while they will not attract others. Ask the children to determine which items are attracted to the magnets and which are not.

Magnetic Trains

Magnetic trains are another option to help children learn about magnets. Provide a magnetic train set that is not put together. Tell the children to put the train together. With this activity, children will learn about the way magnets repel each other. When the train is put together wrong, the magnets will push away while they will connect the train if they are put together correctly. Children can play with the train set after it has been put together.

Dancing Paperclips

Dancing paperclips requires a jar or glass full of water, three paperclips and a magnet. The paperclips are put into the jar of water. Move the magnet on the outside of the jar or glass and the paperclips start moving. Move it as preferred to make the paperclips look like they are dancing. After a demonstration, have the children make the paperclips dance as well.