As the weather turns cooler, finding indoor activities to keep your kids occupied has never been more important. Rather than turning on the TV or handing them a video game, why not try this easy and educational activity that combines the magic of magnetism with the fun of DIY? Plus, all you need to make your magnet discovery jar can be found around your house!

Here is what you will need:

  • Empty clear container (water bottles work well)
  • Items to fill your bottle (pipe cleaners, buttons, paper clips, jingle bells, beads, dimes, confetti, etc.)
  • Popsicle stick
  • Small magnet (we recommend 10mmx2mm disc magnets) 
  • Hot glue gun

 

What to do: 

  1. Take your empty bottle or container and remove any labels so you can see through the entire bottle
  2. Place items such as pipe cleaners, buttons, etc., inside your bottle
  3. Secure the cap or lid back on your bottle/container with a dab of hot glue to prevent the risk of choking on small parts
  4. Place a small amount of hot glue on your magnet and attach it to one end of your popsicle stick to form a magnetic wand
  5. Place your wand against the side of your discovery bottle and watch as the magnetic items inside are attracted to the wand and scale the side of your bottle, while the non-magnetic items remain at the bottom
  6. Help your child take notes detailing their discovery

Take this exciting activity one step further by encouraging your child to show friends and family their discoveries, or even use it as a science report for homeschooled children. And the fun does not have to stop there! Create more bottles with new items and add them to their list of magnetic vs non-magnetic items. 

Magnetic Fun For All

Turn your kitchen into a classroom with exciting science experiments like this one! With limitless ways to bring learning to life, our blog offers inspiration for hundreds of experiments, projects, and the latest magnetic news that will have you coming back for more! Put up those Christmas lights with ease, tackle reorganizing the tool shed, or learn how magnets are shaping the future of technology, all on our website. Enjoy the convenience of your one-stop shop for all things magnets, plus expert help whenever you need it. Contact us today!