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The Magic of Magnets

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When it came time for my son's first science fair project, magnets seemed the obvious choice. He'd been intrigued by magnets for several years, and their simplicity made for an ideal kindergarten project. The only problem was that we purchased a mother lode of magnets in all shapes and sizes in search of the right project, and once the science fair was over, I wondered what we would do with so many magnets.

I'm happy to report that in the years that have followed we've had loads of fun and learned loads of science with our hoard of simple magnets. Wondering where to begin your magnetic explorations? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Magnet Basics: It's never too early to experiment with magnets. Even toddlers can appreciate the wonders of magnets (just be sure to use magnets too large to pose a choking hazard with children under 3!), seeing what objects a magnet will pick up, making small objects such as paper clips move "magically" atop a piece of paper by hiding a magnet underneath, and creating temporary magnets by rubbing a metal object with a magnet. Older kids can extend these early explorations by finding out through what surfaces a magnet will attract, what types of metal aren't attracted to magnets, and why you have to rub an object in only one direction to turn it into a temporary magnet. For more fun with magnet basics, check out our Very First Magnet Kit.

Magnets and the Earth: Magnets offer a natural introduction to Earth Sciences when you explore nature's magnets and the Earth's magnetic fields. It's simple to create your own compass with one of our many Magnet Kits, and your young scientists will be amazed by Magnetite, nature's magnet, in our Young Scientists Minerals, Crystals and Fossils Kit. Encourage your kids to ask questions – "Why does the magnet in my compass always point north?" and "How can I determine which rocks are magnetic?" – then find the answers through research and experimentation.

Electromagnets: Electromagnets are fascinating for older kids, especially those who are interested in motors and electricity. Explore how to make an electromagnet, how electromagnets make motors run, and why those motors require alternating currents to function. (Hint: It has to do with opposite poles repelling each other.) Our Electromagnet Science Kit is a great introduction.

MagLev Trains: An amazing example of magnets at work can be found in the MagLev Trains gaining popularity in Europe and Asia. These large commuter trains are elevated above and propelled along magnetic tracks by electromagnets, but smaller versions can be operated using the simple phenomenon of reverse magnetic poles repelling each other. (This is an exceptional science fair project, combining the science of magnetism with a bit of social studies in researching the real world trains!) Build your own Magnetic Levitation Train with our Magnet Levitation Kit.

Magic Magnets: Once you've explored the science of magnets with your kids, there's no harm in indulging their sense of wonder with a little "magnet magic." Two of our favorite ways to explore "magnet magic" are Magnetic Magic, a book and magic kit in one, and the Magic Penny Magnet Kit, an award-winning kit that combines the best of magnetic science with magnet fun!

Clearly, there's no end to the education or the entertainment the come with magnets! Maybe that's why we love magnets so much and why we carry so many amazing Magnet Kits -- they're the perfect combination of our two favorite things, science and fun!

Check out some of these delightful kits to explore the science and wonder of magnetism with your kids:






Home > Resources for our Science Kits > Articles on Science Learning and Science Kits > The Magic of Magnets


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