Projects, Crafts & STEM

High powered magnets can lift heavy steel objects, and large magnets that snap together can pinch skin, break bones or shatter glass. In other words, magnets are capable of some incredible feats. However, there are a few things that can alter magnet strength. One of those is temperature. In our last blog we explored what happens to a magnet when it is exposed to extreme heat. Now, let’s do an experiment to explore what happens to a magnet when it is exposed to extreme cold. Continue reading →

Magnets can be found in many everyday items and technologies such as cars, phones and computers. It is because of permanent magnets' ability to create their own magnetic field that they are useful in various products and situations. However, they are not impervious. Magnet strength can be affected by certain environmental changes like temperature. The effect of temperature on neodymium magnets is one of the most interesting phenomenons to observe and evaluate. In this magnet experiment, we specifically explore how magnets react when exposed to extreme heat. Continue reading →

Father’s Day is quickly approaching and if you haven’t found the perfect gift for the father figure in your life, we have a few ideas! If you’d like to make the lucky parent in your life feel as special as they are, make your gift a thoughtful one. Check out these gift ideas for the father figure in your life. Continue reading →

Do you use a purse, clutch, wallet, phone holder, or wristlet to carry around your personal belongings?  If so, you may be using a magnet every day without even noticing! Magnets are commonly used as clasps because of their many advantages. For instance, they have a strong closing power and are easier to open and close for individuals with arthritis, muscular dystrophy, or other conditions that can affect hand mobility. Continue reading →

The homopolar motor, the simplest electric motor, was first demonstrated by Michael Faraday in the early 1800s. His demonstration showed how electromagnetism can support motion, but the design used mercury and was not advanced enough to be used for any practical application. Nevertheless, his finding made the many advanced motor-based technologies that we see today possible. Today, magnets are used in electric motors to assist in transferring electrical energy to mechanical energy. Continue reading →

When you think of magnets, art may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, there is an urban art niche forming through the magnetic work of street artists like Hego. Magnetic street art is created using strong magnets attached to ferrous outdoor places usually within an urban area. Because the street art is hung with magnets, it doesn’t damage the outdoor fixtures it is attached to and it is mobile. The mobility of the art is part of the idea behind Hego’s Magnetic Street Art project. Others can take his work with them and then hang it up somewhere else, creating a perpetually traveling art piece. Continue reading →

You may remember playing with the stretchy and colorful goo-like globs called silly putty when you were a kid. Putty was actually invented by accident during World War II by James Wright, an engineer trying to come up with a cost-effective alternative to rubber for the U.S. military. He accidentally poured boric acid into silicone oil, creating the main ingredients of the elastic toy we know today. However, the putty we know today wasn’t marketed as a fun pastime until Peter Hodgson saw its potential as a toy and bought the production rights after it was rendered useless as the military’s rubber alternative. One substance that is even more fun to experiment with than putty is magnetic putty. Magnetic putty has the same squishy texture as silly putty but reacts with magnets in eye-catching ways. You can make your own magnetic putty with this simple and quick tutorial. Because this experiment uses iron oxide powder it is meant for adult use only and should not be done with small children. Continue reading →

A magnetic jewelry clasp is often easier to use than other jewelry closure methods. Because it opens and closes with magnets, the jewelry is secure but can also be easily removed by pulling apart the magnetic closures. This is extremely convenient for individuals with arthritis or limited dexterity. There are several different types of magnetic clasps that you can choose from to construct your pieces but it is important to know what type to use. Before starting you must decide what type of magnetic clasp is best for your piece of jewelry. Here are a few tips to help you determine what type of magnetic jewelry clasp is best: Continue reading →

Showing your mother that you love her doesn't have to come with an expensive price tag. Some of the most heartfelt gifts are the ones we make ourselves. This is why we think this year do it yourself gifts are a great way to show mom you appreciate all the hard work she’s done. If you still haven’t picked a gift for your mom, here are a few creative DIY gift ideas. Continue reading →

Happy Easter! If you have some extra time this weekend amongst the holiday festivities here is a DIY that is low-budget and great for families. These DIY egg magnets make colorful fridge accessories and can be a fun spin on the traditional egg dying activity. While hunting eggs, you can collect a few oval-shaped pebbles too, bring them back and get started! Continue reading →

You may have heard tales of the additives in processed foods, but have you ever actually seen them? Unlike fairy tales, food additives do exist and can be found in many common processed foods. Continue reading →

Replacing and professionally cleaning mud and other stains from your home’s carpet and other flooring can be costly. The good news is you can keep cleaning to minimum with this DIY project: a magnetic shoe and clothes locker. A magnetic shoe locker is a great way to organize and eliminate the frustration of constantly cleaning mud, rain, and other outdoor-to-indoor messes that are tracked into your home. Continue reading →

Diamagnetic materials hold properties that repel an applied magnetic field. Because of these properties, it is possible to levitate a magnet when used in conjunction with diamagnetic materials. The principle of diamagnetic levitation has been known since the 1930s but is not the principle behind most practical transport systems, which rely on electromagnetic or superconducting levitation. A diamagnetic levitation experiment like the one below is both fun and educational. Continue reading →

Spring is gardening season! If you love to grow your own fruits and veggies, but don’t have the land available you can try this DIY for an upcycled garden wall. Continue reading →

Since today is renowned for its trickery, we’re honoring it with some cool science experiments that are great in classroom and learning settings to show the relationship between magic and science. Continue reading →

Magnets are extremely versatile– you can use them in anything from DIY projects to home rennovations. They are also especially useful in organizing your home. One way to use magnets to help keep your home and items organized is by creating a magnet board that can display and organize various objects. Continue reading →

One of the most iconic symbols of spring and Easter is the colorful marshmallow chicks and bunnies that start popping up in stores. Now, you can turn those marshmallow candies into cute magnets, without sacrificing any of the goodies. Below is an abridged version of the DIY from Amy at Mod Podge Rocks. Continue reading →

While weddings are one of the most special occasions, they can be stressful and expensive! Not to mention that most decorations and such are thrown away once the event has passed. That's why we're sharing a special DIY that'll be able to be enjoyed long after your wedding day — save the date magnets! Now, this may take a little craftiness, but you'll have unique and reusable decorations to last long after the celebration. Continue reading →

NASA first developed ferrofluid while experimenting with different methods to control liquid in zero-gravity space conditions. Since it was developed, ferrofluid is now used in a number of practical applications like: Improving the sound quality in speakers. Protecting computer disk drives. Forming seals in industrial equipment, such as rotary shaft seals. Continue reading →

Spring has arrived and to celebrate we are making spring flower magnets! DIY flower magnets are a cute and simple project that you can do in just 4 steps. We have shared our tutorial below: Continue reading →

If you love DIY, magnets, and Saint Patrick’s Day, then you’re in luck. We have compiled a few DIY activities that you can do to celebrate on March 17th. Continue reading →

Spring is nearly in the air, meaning it's time to freshen up your home with some nature-inspired decor.

Some of your favorite fonts took an immense amount of work, creativity, out-of-the-box thinking and additionally, certain tools, to create.

Keeping track of your keys is essential, but it can be difficult to stay organized if you don't have one designated place for them.