Can magnets float? While the thought may seem far-fetched, ask your children what they think before diving into our latest magnetic science experiment. This week’s project will help your kids learn about attraction, repulsion, and magnetic poles while allowing you to create some fun family memories as you conduct your research. Follow along as we explain how you can enjoy this educational experience that will likely make your children’s jaws drop! 

Supplies

Your magnets can be purchased at Apex Magnets through our online store. Links to the magnets needed for this experiment are linked below in our complete list of supplies. Other items can be purchased at your favorite craft store. 

 

You will need these supplies: 

 

  • Ring magnets (¾” x ½” ⅛”) 
  • Permanent marker
  • One regular Crayola marker (You can also use a pen or pencil)
  • Putty 
  • A notebook and a pen
  • Compass or pole finder

Steps

This project requires a few simple steps. Clear off some space on a table and enjoy conducting your research.

 

*Adult supervision is recommended for this project. The strength and fragility of these magnets could cause a break, resulting in some type of injury. Please wear safety goggles and gloves.

 

Gather your materials and do the following: 

 

  1. Without your kids nearby, start determining the poles of your magnets. While this lesson could be explained during this process, making the magnets ‘float’ will be more engaging for the children. 
  2. Perform the compass trick or use a pole finder to determine the poles of your magnet.
  3. Label the poles on your ring magnets with a permanent marker.
  4. Place a ball of putty on your table and push one end of a regular marker down into it so it stands up vertically. Give it a few minutes to get set.
  5. Call your kids into the room to begin the experiment.
  6. Have your child slide one ring magnet down to the bottom of the marker with the north pole facing up. Let your child drop down another ring magnet to see what happens when different poles are paired. 
  7. Make a chart in a notebook so your child can write down what happens when certain poles face each other (two north poles, the north and south poles, two south poles, etc.)
  8. Once your child learns that magnets can attract or repel depending on their poles, have them use what they have learned to make the magnets ‘float’ above each other on the marker. Watch as they enjoy the magic of magnets firsthand! 
  9. Fun potential addition: If you stack the rings two or three high and then introduce a repelling magnet, you can determine if the distance increases due to more strength/repellant force. Ex: one ring to one ring may result in 1/2" distance; two rings to one ring may result in 3/4", etc.

Jump Into the Fun with Apex Magnets

This is just the latest experiment in our great series of engaging winter experiments your family can try on these cold winter days. To see our other ideas, visit the DIY section of our blog page. If you want the latest DIY experiments sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter by entering your email here. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 1-304-257-1193 to speak to a friendly member of our team.