Magnetism Experiments Kids Can Do at Home

By Alex Kumar · October 12, 2026

Why Kids Love Magnets

Magnets feel like magic to children — invisible forces that push and pull objects across space. This natural fascination makes magnetism one of the most engaging physics topics for hands-on learning.

Experiment 1: What's Magnetic?

Give kids a magnet and a tray of objects: coins, paperclips, aluminum foil, wood, plastic, copper wire, steel nails, rubber bands. Have them predict which will stick, then test. Sort into magnetic and non-magnetic piles. The pattern: iron, nickel, and cobalt are magnetic.

Experiment 2: Magnet Maze

Draw a maze on a paper plate. Place a paperclip on top. Move a magnet underneath to guide the paperclip through the maze. The magnetic force passes through the paper — demonstrating that magnetism works through certain materials.

Experiment 3: Build a Compass

Magnetize a sewing needle by stroking it with a magnet (same direction, 50 times). Float the needle on a small piece of cork in a bowl of water. It will align north-south. Compare with a real compass to verify.

Experiment 4: Magnetic Slime

Make regular slime (glue + borax solution), then mix in iron oxide powder. Hold a strong neodymium magnet near the slime and watch it move toward the magnet. The iron particles respond to the magnetic field.

Experiment 5: Electromagnet

Wrap copper wire around an iron nail (20+ wraps). Connect wire ends to a battery. The nail becomes magnetic while current flows. Disconnect and the magnetism stops. This is how electric motors work.