Yesterday, I shared A Hidden Maze over at A Mom With A Lesson Plan.
While Aiden and I were enjoying and creating different variations of that science activity, we came across something a little simpler that held his attention for a really long time. It was time for bed and he still wanted to play. When he awoke the next morning and saw the materials, he started playing again.
We used a clear plastic storage box, a magnet, and some washers and paper clips.
{We also tried it with an empty shoe box, but Aiden much preferred to see what was happening inside the box.}
*Small part alert – be sure to provide close supervision when dealing with little ones and small parts like magnets, washers, and paper clips.
Aiden connected the magnet to the washers and paper clips through the plastic box.
Exploring the magnet and metal with the box lid off.
He pulled them around the box.
Collecting the washers and paper clips on the magnet.
He watched the washers and paper clips fall when the connections was lost.
The magnet we used was from a hard drive. It is very powerful. {Be careful!}
Aiden would search the box to find them again.
I love this face. He’s concentrating on what’s happening.
Simple little experience with magnetism, making observations, exploring, discovering, building knowledge, and having fun!
Have your little ones experienced the wonder of magnets yet?
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I bet my son would love this. Thanks for the idea…so simple.
Amanda@Dirt and Boogers recently posted..Sensory Play: A Guest Post from Enjoying the Journey
My son didn’t want to put it down and continues to ask to play with it. I call that a winner.
Once again, love your post! We added sand to the mix with one activity (URL above). I bet that’d work well for you too! We’re gearing up to explore magnets more so thank you…
Thanks, Marnie! I love the idea of adding sand to a clear box.
I used magnets on a white board to hold up shapes. Our daughter started stacking them one on top of the other.
That’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
What great fun! We have explored magnets! My guy loves them.
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Love the idea of using a box. I’d been trying out plastic drinks bottles with coloured paper clips and pennies (of a certain age) Colourful chopped pipe cleaners give a super effect! The box give more room for my two to play together and it doesn’t have to be held. Thanks
Oh, pipe cleaners would be fun! We need to explore with those.
We did this today http://stircrazytoddler.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/magnets/ Thanks again for the idea!
Great! So glad you like it.
What about using that box and put on the lid so small objects can’t be swallowed. Can still see through it. Thinking of using this in my toddler classroom.
Yes, we put the lid on the box as well (and turned it upside down). You would want to make sure the lid is sealed tight and still supervise closely. Also make sure your magnet is large enough. You may try using a plastic jar instead of a box (like a peanut butter jar). The jar would be easier to seal. Those magnets with a handle or the large horseshoe shaped ones (covered in plastic) might be a good size.
How old is your son? What age children could you start this with? Under 2?
Hi Leda. My son was nearly 2 and 1/2 when we did this activity. He was no longer putting things in his mouth and I was watching him very closely. For younger children {or children who still like to put things in their mouth}, you’ll need to make sure the magnet is large enough. Try a magnet with a handle or one of the large plastic U-shaped magnets. Also make sure the magnetic pieces {washers/paper clips/etc} are kept inside the box. {You could even seal the box.} And just watch closely.