Experiment with magnets
Investigate magnets by building a simple magnetic explorer: test attraction and repulsion with different objects, chart results, and learn about magnetic fields.
About this activity
Investigate magnets by building a simple magnetic explorer: test attraction and repulsion with different objects, chart results, and learn about magnetic fields.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Collect all the materials and put them on a clear table.
- 2
Step 2
Tape one magnet securely to the end of a craft stick to make your first magnetic explorer.
- 3
Step 3
Tape the second magnet to another craft stick to make a second explorer.
- 4
Step 4
On the paper draw a table with three columns and write the headings Object Attracted? Notes.
- 5
Step 5
Put the objects you will test in a row next to your chart so they are easy to reach.
- 6
Step 6
Pick up one magnetic explorer and hold its magnet end near the first object without touching it.
- 7
Step 7
Watch to see whether the object moves toward the magnet or stays still.
- 8
Step 8
Write "attracted" or "not attracted" next to the object's name in your chart.
- 9
Step 9
Repeat Steps 6 through 8 for each object on your list.
- 10
Step 10
Hold the two explorers so their magnet ends are facing each other.
- 11
Step 11
Slowly move the magnet ends closer and notice whether they stick together or push apart.
- 12
Step 12
Line up several paperclips in a short row on the table.
- 13
Step 13
Bring one explorer near the end of the paperclip row and watch the paperclips form a chain that shows the magnetic field.
- 14
Step 14
Write a short note in the chart describing which objects were attracted which were not and what happened with the two magnets and the paperclip chain.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished magnetic explorer experiment and your results on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I set up a magnet explorer to test attraction and repulsion?
Set up a simple magnetic explorer by arranging magnets and objects to test attraction and repulsion. Start by placing a magnet under paper or in a plastic tray; bring different objects (paper clips, coins, plastic toys, screws) near the magnet and note if they move. Mark attraction (+), repulsion (−), or no effect. Use a compass or iron filings to show field lines, and chart results in a table to compare materials and distances.
What materials do I need to do a magnet explorer activity?
You'll need a few bar or disc magnets, a collection of test objects (paper clips, nails, coins, keys, plastic toys, aluminum foil), non-magnetic controls (wood, plastic), a small compass, a sheet of paper and pencil for charting, tape and a ruler for measuring distance. Optional: iron filings in a sealed bag, glue sticks, or a plastic tray to contain pieces. Supervision recommended when using small metal parts.
What ages is the magnet explorer activity suitable for?
This magnet explorer suits ages about 4–12 with adult supervision. Preschoolers (4–6) can test attraction with large magnetic objects and mark simple yes/no results. Ages 7–9 can measure distance effects, compare materials, and record charts. Older children (10–12) can experiment with field visualization (compass, filings), polarity, and hypotheses. Always supervise younger kids and avoid swallowing risks from small magnets.
What safety precautions and fun variations can we try with a magnet explorer?
Benefits include building scientific thinking, predicting, measuring, and fine motor skills. Safety tips: never let children swallow magnets or small metal parts; work on a table, use sealed bags for filings, and keep powerful rare-earth magnets away from electronics and pacemakers. Variations: blindfolded magnet scavenger hunt, race to move paper clips using only magnetic force, or test magnet strength across different materials. Discuss why some metals aren't magnetic.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if craft sticks or small magnets are hard to find?
If you don't have craft sticks or small bar magnets, tape a wooden ruler, a pencil, or a large refrigerator magnet to make each magnetic explorer following Step 2's taping method.
If nothing moves when we hold the explorer near an object, what should we check or do differently?
If objects don't move, first make sure the magnet is taped securely to the craft stick (Steps 2–3), then try holding the explorer closer as in Step 6 because some magnets only attract at short distances, and test with the paperclips from Step 11 to confirm the magnet works.
How can I adapt this magnet experiment for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult do the taping and let them try safe, large items while older kids can perform Steps 5–8 themselves and tweens can add measurements and compare how two explorers interact in Step 9.
How can we extend or personalize the magnetic explorer activity after finishing the steps?
To extend the activity, decorate and label each taped explorer, add a 'distance' column to your paper chart to record how far each object is attracted (Steps 5–8), and use the paperclip chain from Step 11 to compare which explorer pulls the longest chain.