How to Teach MAGNETISM to Your Kids
Magnet Maze Art Project
SOOOOOO do YOU know why magnets “stick” together? We all use magnets on a daily basis…
…refrigerator magnets
…compasses
…electronics
…door bells
…and so much more!
But the science behind magnets is CRAZY and COOL!
And honestly, most of us as adults don’t truly understand how it works. How on earth are we supposed to teach magnetism to our kids, then???
Here’s how to understand what’s happening behind the scenes and how to make it exciting for your kids!
1. Start off with an attention getting experiment with magnets.
This can be simple like sticking a refrigerator to a paper clip.
Or try something more advanced like the experiment in the video!
I love the aluminum spinner in this video! If your kids are feeling reluctant to learn, that one will FOR SURE get their attention.
2. Review over static electricity.
Okay, hear me out.
Just jumping into electrons, protons, positive, negative, north, south, it’s too much to learn in one sitting!
Start with a static electricity lesson. This might mean going back a bit and doing a lesson and a project to ensure that your kids really understand the science behind static electricity.
Check out this blog to learn how to teach static electricity to your kids!
This blog includes a lesson plan outline, an explanation of how static electricity works, and project suggestions.
3. Teach with a visual of an atom for reference.
Now we’re ready to dive into the science of magnets!
Magnets occur because something unique happens inside the atoms of the substance.
Excerpt from the Learning Pages of the Magnet Maze Project.
Makes a bit more sense, right?
Now explain this key fact:
OPPOSITES ATTRACT, LIKES REPEL.
This is how magnets “stick” to metal!
Metal has a natural negative charge to it, so when the positive (north) side of a magnet comes close to it, the protons and electrons inside are attracted to each other. They stay close together unless something stronger pulls them away.
4. Ask kids where they see magnets in real life.
Refrigerator magnets are one of the easiest to think of!
Now that you’ve given a lot of information, get your kids to interact!
Ask them where they see magnets in real life. They can even get up and walk around the house looking.
When they think of an example, ask them what is happening inside each substance to make them “stick” together.
“Which one is the magnet?”
“What are the electrons doing inside the magnet?”
“Does the magnet have a positive or negative charge?”
“Does the (metal object) have a positive or negative charge?”
“Why are these items ‘sticking’ together?”
If your kids can explain the science behind the magnets they’re seeing, then they’re ready for step 5!
5. Apply knowledge with a fun, interactive project.
What’s the best way to make sure your kids truly understand a scientific topic?
It’s not a quiz or a test.
Give them a hands-on project!
Check out my top 3 suggestions below.
🧡 PROJECT SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR HOMESCHOOL/CLASS 🧡
-Magnetic and not magnetic (10 min.)
Have your kids gather items from around your house that they think could be magnetic. Sort items from around your house into magnetic or not. Use a refrigerator magnet to test.
BEFORE
AFTER
-Same poles repel (15 min.)
Grab some toy trains and experiment with the poles! Students will get good practice explaining north and south poles.
GOAL: move the trains WITHOUT touching them with your hands!
(video example below)
-Opposites attract (2 days)
For an in-depth study, try this art project.
Students create this desert paper plate maze. Then they add Finley the Fennec Fox to the top and use a magnet to move her around.
My students have LOVED this one!
Check out this tiktok for a visual of these projects.
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