{"id":12155,"date":"2025-02-18T11:54:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T11:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/blog\/?p=12155"},"modified":"2025-02-18T12:00:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T12:00:34","slug":"5-easy-magnetic-experiments-to-try-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/blog\/5-easy-magnetic-experiments-to-try-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Easy Magnetic Experiments to Try at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We know it&#8217;s not always easy keeping little people entertained during the school holidays, so we&#8217;ve put together this list of fun and easy science experiments to keep their hands busy and brains engaged! Science is all about exploration and discovery; with simple materials and a few minutes of setup, these five hands-on activities will entertain and educate young minds. Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Magnetic Putty Monster <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><video controls src=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/084615649f4c4f74b5567b14f32f8181.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/professor-gauss-magnetic-putty-with-skittle-magnet-20357\">Professor Gauss Magnetic Putty and Skittle Magnet<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warm and cold water (for temperature changes)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stretch out a piece of the magnetic putty and place it on a flat surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold a strong magnet near the putty and observe how it reacts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warm the putty in your hands (or briefly in warm water) and test how it responds to the magnet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cool it down in the fridge for five minutes and repeat the experiment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science Behind It:<\/strong> The putty\u2019s consistency changes with temperature. When it\u2019s warm, it becomes more fluid, and when it\u2019s cold, it firms up, affecting how it interacts with the magnet. This is a fantastic way to explore both <strong>magnetism<\/strong> and <strong>temperature sensitivity<\/strong> in materials!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. MAGNETic FISHING GAmE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paperclips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small cutouts of fish (made from paper or cardboard)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>String<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/rainbow-coloured-plastic-mini-magnetic-hooks-1kg-pull-12mm-dia-x-20mm-tall-20736\" title=\"\">A small magnet<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A stick or ruler<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attach a small <strong>magnet<\/strong> to one end of the string and tie the other end to a stick or ruler to create a \u201cfishing rod.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clip paperclips onto the paper fish and spread them on a table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try catching the fish by hovering the magnet over them!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science Behind It:<\/strong> The <strong>magnet attracts the metal paperclips<\/strong>, showing how magnetic forces work even without direct contact. This experiment introduces kids to <strong>attraction and repulsion<\/strong> in a fun way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip! <\/strong>Easily attach the string to the magnet using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/rainbow-coloured-plastic-mini-magnetic-hooks-1kg-pull-12mm-dia-x-20mm-tall-20736\" title=\"\">Rainbow Coloured Plastic Mini Magnetic Hooks &#8211; 1kg Pull<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Magnetic Compass<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\">\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@first4magnets\/video\/7159522027240492294\" data-video-id=\"7159522027240492294\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@first4magnets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@first4magnets?refer=embed\">@first4magnets<\/a> <p>Legend has it, all ghosts point North \ud83d\udc7b Try this neat magnetic compass hack with the kids, a great way to learn <a title=\"kidstok\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/kidstok?refer=embed\">#kidstok<\/a> <a title=\"science\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/science?refer=embed\">#science<\/a> <a title=\"compass\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/compass?refer=embed\">#compass<\/a> <a title=\"magnet\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/magnet?refer=embed\">#magnet<\/a><\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - FIRST4MAGNETS\u00ae\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7160212054165818117?refer=embed\">\u266c original sound &#8211; FIRST4MAGNETS\u00ae<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small bowl of water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A sewing needle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A cork or piece of foam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/30mm-dia-x-5mm-thick-n42-neodymium-magnet-98kg-pull-18913\" title=\"\">A strong magnet<\/a> (adult supervision and guidance is highly recommended when using stronger magnets like these)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stroke the <strong>sewing needle<\/strong> against a <strong>magnet<\/strong> about 40 times in one direction to magnetise the needle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Push the needle through a small piece of <strong>cork or foam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the floating cork (with the needle) in a bowl of <strong>still water<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch as the needle slowly aligns itself to <strong>point north<\/strong>!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science Behind It:<\/strong> The Earth&#8217;s <strong>magnetic field<\/strong> interacts with the <strong>magnetised needle<\/strong>, causing it to align with the planet\u2019s <strong>North-South axis<\/strong>. This is the basis of how compasses work!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Magnetic Maze <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A shoebox lid or a piece of cardboard<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paper and markers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small magnetic object (paperclip, magnetic bead)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/2-educational-alnico-bar-magnets-north-south-identified-11-x-6-x-75mm-20491\" title=\"\">A child-safe magnet (like this one!)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Draw a simple maze on a sheet of paper and place it inside the shoebox lid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place a small magnetic object at the start of the maze.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold a magnet underneath the box and use it to guide the object through the maze without touching it directly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science Behind It:<\/strong> Magnets exert forces, even through materials like cardboard, allowing an object to move <strong>without direct contact<\/strong> &#8211; a great introduction to <strong>magnetic fields and forces<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. magnet-POWERED CAR<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\">\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@first4magnets\/video\/7472724540615838998\" data-video-id=\"7472724540615838998\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@first4magnets\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@first4magnets?refer=embed\">@first4magnets<\/a> <p>Half term science experiments to keep little minds busy \ud83d\udca1 Visit our blog for more magnetic ideas! <a title=\"halfterm\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/halfterm?refer=embed\">#halfterm<\/a> <a title=\"scienceathome\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/scienceathome?refer=embed\">#scienceathome<\/a> <a title=\"schoolsout\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/schoolsout?refer=embed\">#schoolsout<\/a> <a title=\"kidsactivities\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/kidsactivities?refer=embed\">#kidsactivities<\/a> <a title=\"kidstiktok\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/kidstiktok?refer=embed\">#kidstiktok<\/a> <\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c Happy Kids - Kidmada\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/Happy-Kids-7298923999110563842?refer=embed\">\u266c Happy Kids &#8211; Kidmada<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p><strong>Materials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A small toy car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A strong magnet (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/product\/alnico-rectangular-bar-magnets-06kg-pull-125-x-5-x-40mm-10106\" title=\"\">this one&#8217;s the perfect size for a toy car)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A second magnet (or another strong magnetic object)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tape a <strong>small magnet<\/strong> onto the toy car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hold another <strong>magnet<\/strong> in your hand and slowly move it in front of the car without touching it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch as the car moves forward, pulled by the magnet!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science Behind It:<\/strong> The <strong>invisible magnetic force<\/strong> moves the car without physical contact, demonstrating <strong>magnetic attraction and repulsion<\/strong>. This is a great way to introduce kids to <strong>force fields<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These five experiments are easy, safe, and packed with scientific fun! The kids will love getting hands-on with science in a way that sparks curiosity and learning. Or, if you fancy getting out the house, there are some incredible museums and activity centres all over the country, perfect for intriguing little minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UK SCIENCE ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencemuseum.org.uk\/home\">Science Museum, London<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Science Museum is renowned for its interactive exhibits that cover topics from space exploration to climate science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eureka.org.uk\/\">2. Eureka! The National Children&#8217;s Museum, Halifax<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eureka! is an interactive museum dedicated to children aged 0\u201311. It offers hundreds of hands-on exhibits designed to inspire learning through play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacecentre.co.uk\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbamMY2bn8SAvg2jMw7Ir54PWz7LGTu6XwLMRKOc6YLX1qa8vgS_KIfBoCWqMQAvD_BwE\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacecentre.co.uk\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbamMY2bn8SAvg2jMw7Ir54PWz7LGTu6XwLMRKOc6YLX1qa8vgS_KIfBoCWqMQAvD_BwE\">3. National Space Centre, Leicester<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For budding astronauts, the National Space Centre provides an immersive experience into the wonders of space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.winchestersciencecentre.org\/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAzba9BhBhEiwA7glbap54FzvF19zMrsvebVJLhxt2ilw3s6_fd-HsDkKnJvPXbqr5mvsnahoCctMQAvD_BwE\">Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK&#8217;s largest standalone planetarium offers a range of shows that explore the universe, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for young minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.catalyst.org.uk\/\">Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, Widnes<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Features include a glass lift ride to an observatory with panoramic views, a live science theatre, and family workshops during school holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.birmingham.ac.uk\/cultural-attractions\/lapworth-museum-of-geology\">Lapworth Museum of Geology, Birmingham<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those interested in Earth&#8217;s history, the Lapworth Museum offers exhibits that showcase fossils, rocks, and minerals, telling the story of our planet over 4.5 billion years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. <\/strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wethecurious.org\/\">We The Curious, Bristol<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This interactive science centre encourages visitors to explore the world through hands-on exhibits. Activities range from experimenting with the science of food to creating giant bubbles and exploring illusions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting these science centres can provide memorable experiences that complement at-home experiments, further igniting your child&#8217;s passion for discovery and learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.first4magnets.com\/child-friendly-magnets\">SHOP CHILD FRIENDLY MAGNETS<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We know it&#8217;s not always easy keeping little people entertained during the school holidays, so we&#8217;ve put together this list [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":12307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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