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10 Fantastic Magnet Experiments for Kids

July 14, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

Our magnet wands are one of our most used pieces of science kit and are perfect for all kinds of magnet experiments and investigations. When my children were little, they wandered around the house “testing” things to see if they were magnetic, and then we went through a phase of magnet-powered cars , boats and anything else we could make move.

Magnets are great for experiments and investigative activities as children can feel the force between them but can’t see it, which can feel almost magical!

If you like these, don’t forget we’ve got 100s more free science experiments and activities to try.

Magnet Experiments for Preschoolers

Magnet maze.

Magnet mazes are fantastic as they are super easy to make and can be themed to the child’s interest. We’ve had lots of fun with mini magnet mazes over the years, but there’s nothing to stop you from making a giant version!

LEGO magnet mazes are great fun too!

Crazy Pipe Cleaner Hair

Draw a head of a person and give them a new hairstyle using a magnet wand and some pipe cleaners.

Magnet Scavenger Hunt

We love this magnetic scavenger hunt from Inspiration Laboratories.

Another idea is to hide magnetic items and add clues or codes for children to break, leading them to the next thing.

Magnet Sensory Bottle

Sensory bottles are great fun for little ones, and these magnet sensory bottles are extra special. Move the magnet wand up and down, and the objects that are attracted to the magnet also move up and down!

How strong is a magnet?

Find out how strong your magnet is using felt squares. Investigate how many felt squares it takes to stop two magnet wands from being attracted to each other.

Another idea is to set up an investigation using different types of magnets and materials.

Ice and Magnet Experiments

This ice and magnet activity from Little Bins for Little Hands looks great fun.

Car Track Magnet Game

This car track magnet game is brilliant fun for young children. Print the track and cut out the cars to make it super easy, or draw your own track.

Find a story to recreate

We recently watched an episode of The Clangers where the Iron Chicken gets trapped in a pile of space rubbish. Straight away, my little girls disappeared to recreate the scene with our magnets and a stash of toys.

They created a magnet fishing rod using a stick and some string. Used plastic toys for space rubbish and made an ‘Iron chicken’ using kitchen foil with a magnet inside. It wasn’t entirely accurate to the story, but they did very well with the resources they had.

During the episode, Small and Tiny first use nets to clear the space junk to free the Iron Chicken, but their nets break. We used the opportunity to discuss materials that might have strengthened the nets. Major Clanger then uses a magnet to collect the space rubbish. The girls predicted correctly that the space rubbish would weigh down the flying music boat!

Magnet Experiments for Older Children

This magnetic slime and electromagnetic train Frugal Fun for Boys looks AMAZING!!

Extract iron from breakfast cereal . Remember to be very careful using strong magnets.

Babble Dabble Do has some incredible magnet tricks that are like magic!

Did you know you can use magnets to defy gravity ? Can you see how the cardboard and paperclip seem to be floating?

If you’re looking for a great magnet set, this one from Learning Resources is our absolute favourite!

Can you think of any more magnet experiments for us?

Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

July 15, 2015 at 9:22 am

Great set of ideas for magnetism – do you have any recommendations of where to get good magnets for kids from that allow open-ended exploration?

July 18, 2015 at 10:43 am

Wow! I just discovered your site…so much great science stuff! My 3yo says that he is a science kid (like Sid!) so thank you for all of the great ideas even for the little ones!

July 23, 2015 at 6:17 am

I read your tips to learning about magnetism is very helpful to connect two magnetism each other Also read your baby picture made so cute in television

October 29, 2015 at 2:10 am

😀 that idea of moving picture is nice. Amazing article. Enjoyed reading.

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Top 20 Magnet Science Experiments

Welcome to our list of the most interesting magnetic science experiments, specially curated to electrify the curiosity of future physicists!

Magnets offer a tangible and captivating way to explore the principles of physics.

Our diverse selection of the top magnet science experiments caters to learners of all ages, and these hands-on, educational activities promise not only to enhance your understanding of magnetism but also to spark a lifelong fascination with physics.

So, grab your magnets and join us on this thrilling journey of magnetic exploration!

1. Levitron

Imagine a world where objects levitate and spin with mesmerizing grace. With this hands-on experiment, you’ll learn how to create your very own Levitron from scratch, harnessing the power of magnetism to make the impossible possible.

2. Icy Magnets

Don’t miss out on the chance to unleash your scientific curiosity and witness the awe-inspiring fusion of ice and magnetism! Grab your gloves, embrace the chill, and join us on this frosty expedition of icy magnets.

Learn more: Icy Magnets

3. Is it Magnetic or Not-Magnetic Experiment

Prepare to unravel the mysteries of magnetism with the captivating experiment, “Is It Magnetic or Not Magnetic?” Embark on a journey where you’ll test the magnetic properties of various objects, challenging your scientific instincts.

4. Magnetic Treasure Hunt

This hands-on experiment will not only ignite your sense of exploration but also deepen your understanding of magnetic fields and their effects. Join us as we combine the thrill of a scavenger hunt with the wonders of magnetism.

Learn more: Magnetic Treasure Hunt

5. Spinning Pen

Imagine the thrill of defying gravity as you witness a humble pen transform into a gravity-defying acrobat, twirling and spinning in mid-air. This hands-on adventure will not only ignite your passion for science but also unlock endless possibilities.

6. Magnetic Pendulum

Science meets art, where a simple pendulum becomes an extraordinary conductor of magnetic forces.

7. Magnetic Levitation

Feel the exhilaration as you control the magnetic forces and guide your pencil through the air. It’s a mind-bending experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, eager to explore the wonders of magnetism.

Learn more: Magnetic Levitation

8. Magnetic Slime

Get ready to unleash the ultimate magnetic gooeyness with our magnetic slime experiment! Whether you’re a budding scientist or just a slime enthusiast, this magnetic slime experiment will leave you magnetized with excitement and wonder.

9. DIY Magnetic Sensory Bottles

Dive into the magical realm of DIY Magnetic Sensory Bottles and let your curiosity flow. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create your own magnetic masterpiece and unlock scientific marvels!

10. Magnet Maze

As you navigate the maze, you’ll witness the captivating interactions between magnets and magnetic objects, unraveling the secrets of magnetism along the way. So, gather your wits, embrace the challenge, and join us on this thrilling journey through the Magnet Maze.

11. Magnet Powered Car

This hands-on adventure will ignite your curiosity and fuel your understanding of magnetic forces. Discover the principles of magnetism in action as you witness the thrilling movement of your very own magnet-powered vehicle.

12. Make a Compass

By constructing your own compass using a magnet, you will gain invaluable insight into the principles of magnetism and its role in navigation. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to engage in a timeless experiment and navigate the path to scientific knowledge with your very own compass creation.

Learn more: Make a Compass

13. DIY Magnetic Water

This hands-on experiment not only deepens your understanding of magnetic forces but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits of magnetized water.

14. Magnet Trampoline

Engage in this extraordinary exploration to unlock the secrets of magnetism while experiencing the sheer joy of defying gravity. Embrace the challenge, and let the magnetic trampoline launch you into a world of scientific wonder.

Learn more: Magnet Trampoline

15. Magic Pipe Cleaners

Prepare to witness the captivating powers of magnetism as you explore the extraordinary ability to lift objects using a magnet and a clear canister.

16. Make an Electromagnet

In this hands-on experiment, you will unravel the intricate relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields, witnessing the transformative power of electromagnetism.

Learn more: Make an Electromagnetic

17. Magnet Painting

By incorporating magnets into your artistic process, you will witness the enchanting interactions between magnetic fields and paint, resulting in unique and dynamic compositions.

Learn more: Magnet Painting

18. Magnetic Doddles

By using magnetic materials and drawing tools, you will witness the captivating interactions between magnets and metallic particles, resulting in vibrant and dynamic doodles.

This hands-on experiment not only deepens your understanding of magnetic forces but also nurtures artistic expression, fine motor skills, and innovative thinking.

Learn more: Magnetic Doddles

19. Spinning Magnetic Coin

Prepare to witness the captivating interaction of magnets and a simple coin as it defies gravity and spins in a spellbinding manner.

20. The Christmas Bell Game

Embrace this opportunity to merge scientific inquiry with the joyous atmosphere of the holidays, as you unravel the secrets of magnetism while immersed in the enchanting realm of the Christmas Bell Game.

Learn more: The Christmas Bell Game

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Babble Dabble Do

4 Easy Magnet Experiments That Will Amaze Your Kids

January 30, 2015 by Ana Dziengel 16 Comments

This super simple set up yields 4 easy magnet experiments that kids will absolutely love! And it just so happens these project are a great tie into Valentine’s Day though honestly they are fun any time of year! So what does magnet science have to do with Valentine’s Day? Well….

This project was originally part of the sensory series Playful Hearts: Valentine’s Inspired Play & Learning. For more projects in the series scroll to the end of the post.

Have you ever noticed that some of the common sayings people use to describe love and attraction are based on the scientific phenomenon of magnetism? Here are some examples:  They had a magnetic attraction.  He exudes animal magnetism.  They are polar opposites.  I was drawn to her.  She has a magnetic personality.

It makes sense that love and magnetism are synonymous. Love is that indescribable feeling you get with certain people that makes you feel all warm and gushy. In the case of romantic love perhaps it makes your heart race, your palms sweat and you can’t help but feel its strong force.

Magnets have a similar effect. Magnets are objects that exude a strong force field around them that causes them to attract ferromagnetic materials and other magnets themselves. Strong magnets are drawn immediately together when placed in close proximity. And did I mention that this magnetic field is invisible, just like love? You can’t see it but you can certain feel it, and it’s a fun sensory experience for kids to try and “touch” an invisible force. For our post today we made a simple pyramid structure that will give you the chance to explore the invisible and strong attractive force called magnetism.

This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend to my readers.

Magnet Magic: Easy Magnet Experiments

Tips before starting: .

• One of the ways we have fine tuned this project over the years is to substitute modeling clay for the loom bands. It’s MUCH easier for kids to put together on their own.
• We also made our own wands with a pencil and ceramic disc magnet hot glued to the end.
• Ceramic Donut Magnet
• 12″ Bamboo Skewers
• Rectangular Ceramic Magnets
• Magnetic Wands  OR use a pencil with a ceramic disc magnet hot glued to the end
• Small rubber bands (loom bands )  OR Substitute modeling clay or play dough!
• String or yarn

Instructions

• Step One Cut a piece of string about 8” long and thread through a donut magnet. Tie tightly.
• Step Two Connect the ends of two skewers by overlapping them and wrapping a loom band around the joint.
• Step Three Repeat Step Two to connect a third skewer and form a triangle base.
• Step Four Connect two additional skewers first to each other and then to the base to form one side of a pyramid. Before forming a full pyramid with the last skewer wrap the top connection with the loose end of your string. The goal is to have the donut magnet hang from the center point of the skewer pyramid. You want it to hang about 1 ½” from the base
• Step Five Add your last skewer to complete the pyramid shape. Wrap the joint tightly with a loom band.

The Modeling Clay Version:

To make the clay version:.

• Give each child (2) strips of modeling clay. Ask them to tear each strip in half and the roll the halves in a clay sphere. They will need (4) spheres in total.
• Construct the triangular base with a clay sphere at each joint.
• Once the base is complete, add a skewer to the top of each sphere and collect at the center point to form a pyramid. Use the last clay sphere to connect the top three skewers.
• The magnet on a string may be pressed into the top clay sphere to hold in place at the desired height.

The Easy Magnet Experiments

This little DIY pyramid structure can be used to make several different observations about magnets. I loosely divided them into 4 mini experiments you can first watch in this video and then read about below.

Easy Magnet Experiment #1: Follow That Force

Can you move something without even touching it? Magnetic force is very strong when magnets are placed in close proximity to each other. To see just how strong it is try this: Take two rectangular magnets and place them under the center point of the hanging donut magnet. Gently slide the rectangular magnets around and watch as your donut magnet follows the magnetic force. Twists and turn the donut magnet by twisting and turning the rectangular magnets beneath. Seemingly defy gravity by suspending your donut magnet at an angle!

Easy Magnet Experiment #2:   The Indecisive Magnet

Magnets have a north and a south pole. This means that one end of a magnet attracts and the other side repels if placed next to another magnet. This is a fun observation to make with magnets of any kind. To see how this repelling and attracting can drive a magnet crazy try this: Place one ceramic magnet under the center point of each bottom chord of your triangle base. Now gently lift your donut magnet and let it swing. It will bounce back and forth between the three magnets’ fields as it encounters the different polarities. It will look like a wildly indecisive magnet that has no idea where to go! Move the rectangular magnets around to see what happens to the center magnet and how it swings based on its proximity to the different magnetic fields.

Easy Magnet Experiment #3: An Invisible Dance Partner

This is my favorite experiment. Let the donut magnet rest as still as possible at the center of the pyramid. Now take a magnetic wand (or a strong magnet) and begin gently waving it near the donut magnet (don’t get too close or the magnets will stick together). Watch as the donut magnet begins to sway and twirl. You can really make that donut magnet shake it’s groove thing simply by moving your wand nearby! Because our donut magnet is suspended by a string it amplifies the twirling action. And for any doubters who think that the slight breeze generated by waving your hands is causing the magnet to dance, try waving your hand nearby without the wand. The donut stays put.

Easy Magnet Experiment #4: The Jitters

Place two rectangular magnets underneath the donut magnet. Gently pull on the donut magnet to release it from the magnetic field then let it drop and swing over the rectangular magnets. It will quickly be caught right back in the magnetic field and move quickly back and forth in a jitterbug dance.

Leon Theremin .  How many of you know and are fascinated by the musical instrument known as the Theremin? If you don’t know what I am talking about please go watch this video RIGHT NOW  of the most well know Theremin performer Clara Rockmore.

The Theremin is the only musical instrument that is played without physical contact. It was invented in the 1920s by Leon Theremin and is based on the phenomenon that interrupting an electromagnetic field can produce audible frequency changes. Essentially the Theremin has two antennae that broadcast a signal to each other and when you wave your hands between the antennae you interrupt the magnet field between them causing the signal to change. Here is a great little video demonstrating it .

Leon Theremin was a Russian scientist who discovered this phenomenon when working on proximity sensors for the Russian government. He went on to patent this electronic musical instrument and it’s eerie sound can be found in many a sci-fi movie soundtrack from the 1950’s. Though it became associated with campy film soundtracks in the 1950’s it was actually used in some classic films like Spellbound and The Lost Weekend and is most famous in popular music in the song Good Vibrations from the Beach Boys.

Magnets are one of my favorite materials to work with and these easy magnet e xperiments are simple to set up and kids  love to watch them in action! Magnetic attraction is seemingly magical and I haven’t met someone yet who isn’t momentarily mesmerized by it’s power and behavior, just like love.

Ready for more Valentines Inspired sensory fun?

Check out my fellow bloggers posts related to sensory play and discovery for Valentines Day:

The impossibly sweet  Hanging Hearts Creative Threading Activity  from Childhood 101.

An awesomely touchy feely Textured Heart Sensory Bin from Toddler Approved 

A smart Valentine’s Math Station from NutureStore.

Spread Creativity like Wildfire: Pin this!

Meri cherry says

January 30, 2015 at 7:37 am

That video is AWESOME Ana!!!!!Cant wait to share it!

Ana Dziengel says

February 4, 2015 at 4:11 am

Love you mama!

March 9, 2016 at 11:40 am

Love you too! <3

Sonya Shulga says

October 12, 2016 at 7:55 pm

That’s cool i am going to do that for the science fair!

January 30, 2015 at 11:22 am

Ev loves the video!

Jeanette Nyberg says

January 31, 2015 at 6:20 am

Awesome! I love the magnets and love tie-in. And the video is amazing! It brings the whole thing to life and makes me want to run home and set this up. I *think* we have the magnets and skewers, but this is totally worth a trip to the store.

Thank you so much Jeanette!

February 10, 2015 at 2:25 pm

Very cool, Ana

August 10, 2015 at 10:08 am

I would like to do the same magnetic experiment with my little students. But, I failed. Would you mind give me some hints? Or advice me the dimension of the rectangular magnet and donut magnet?

September 8, 2016 at 11:21 am

I work for a hands-on exploring museum in MN, and I was scrambling for an alternative project. The one I had planned on using just wasn’t as fun, easy or amazing as I had hoped. Then I found your post!

We already had all the materials on hand, so I jumped in and had a camp full of kids try this. I was a little anxious, since a lot of the campers were upper elementary aged, and I worried they might be “too old” for a magnet game.

I let each camper choose if they would make the pyramid out skewers (like your example), regular plastic straws (colorful of course!) or giant bubble-tea straws. Then each figured out how to hang their magnet from the peak using string, and how they would like to attach or control the side magnets.

I was so pleased that everyone had fun designing and building this project, and then playing with it! (*Playing with something just created is always the test for how awesome it was!)

Thanks so much for sharing this fabulous idea! I love your blog and suggest it to everyone who asks for ideas. You are the BEST!

September 8, 2016 at 12:09 pm

Oh Sonia I am so happy to hear this!!! Woo hoo! Do you have pics? I’d love to see some of the camper’s work! Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂

October 12, 2016 at 7:58 pm

That’s cool i am doing that for the science fair at my school with my friend Alexa

October 12, 2016 at 7:59 pm

Its so FUN!!!!!!!!

November 26, 2016 at 8:54 pm

I’m surely gonna chose this as my science experiment. It’s really good!

December 9, 2016 at 5:39 am

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Magnet Experiments for Kids

Did you know that one of the great inspirations for Albert Einstein’s curiosity as a child was his discovery of the magnetic forces that control a compass? Today we want to embrace our own passion for learning and discovery, and foster that all important curiosity, as we explore magnet experiments and science.

Magnet Science for Kids

What you will discover in this article!

Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer I earn from qualifying purchases. Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. We are slowly uploading our archives. Thanks!

Why did the magnet go to school?

Because it wanted to attract some knowledge!

What is Magnetism? What are Magnets?

Magnets are really cool objects that have a special power called magnetism. It allows them to stick to certain things and even make things move without touching them!

A magnet is usually made of a material called iron. Iron has special properties that make it magnetic. A magnet has two ends called poles. One end is called the North pole, and the other is called the South pole… just like the Earth !

When you bring two magnets close together, something interesting happens. If you try to put the North pole of one magnet close to the North pole of another magnet, they push each other away. Another way to say this is that they repel each other, known as repulsion. But if you put the North pole of one magnet close to the South pole of another magnet, they pull towards each other and stick together, this is called attraction.

Magnets can also stick to certain things like metal objects. This is because there are tiny invisible things called electrons inside those objects. When a magnet gets close to a metal object, it can make the electrons inside the object move a little bit. This makes the metal object act like a magnet allowing them to attract.

You can find magnets in lots of places. You might have magnets on your fridge that hold up your artwork or pictures. Magnets are also used in some toys. Our favourite magnet toy is Magna Tiles !

Quick Fun Magnet Game:  Grab a magnet wand and have your kids run around home or the classroom and look for magnetic items. How many different objects can they find that have magnetic properties?

Magnets are special objects that can stick to certain things, attract and repel each other, and even make things move. They’re like a magical force that can do some really cool things!

What is Earth’s Magnetic Field?

Did you know Earth is a big magnet? Just like a regular magnet, Earth also has a magnetic field. This magnetic force is invisible, but it’s all around us. Think of it like a big bubble that covers Earth. It stretches from deep inside our planet and goes all the way up into space.

You know how magnets have a north pole and a south pole? Well, Earth’s magnetic field is just like that. It has a north pole and a south pole too.

The magnetic field is important because it protects us from some harmful things in space. The Sun sends out lots of things called solar winds, which are like a stream of particles. These solar winds carry electrically charged particles called cosmic radiation, and if they reached Earth’s surface, they could be dangerous. You can see incredible displays of our protective bubble at work when you look at the Northern Lights .

Thanks to the magnetic field, it acts like a shield and stops most of these particles from coming down to Earth. It keeps us safe by diverting those particles around our planet. It’s like wearing a strong armor that protects us from harm.

Not only does the magnetic field protect us, but it also helps animals like birds and turtles find their way during long journeys. Some of them have a special ability to sense the magnetic field, kind of like having a built-in compass.

Magnet Lesson Vocabulary Review

Magnet: A magnet is an object that has the ability to attract and repel. It has two ends called the north pole and the south pole. When two magnets come close together, opposite poles attract each other, while similar poles repel each other. Magnets can be either natural, like lodestone, or man-made, like the magnets on your refrigerator.

North Pole/South Pole : The ends of a magnet. Like attracts like, while opposites repel.

Magnetic: The definition of “magnetic” is something that has the properties or characteristics of a magnet. It can describe objects or materials that are capable of being attracted to or influenced by magnets. Magnetic materials, such as iron have the ability to be magnetized or interact with magnetic fields. Additionally, “magnetic” can be used to describe the behavior or effects associated with magnetism, such as magnetic forces or fields.

Attraction:  When magnets attract, they want to stick together. Magnetic attraction is when like fields are brought together. 

Repulsion:  When magnets repel, they push each other away. This occurs when opposite fields, or different polarities, are brought close together.

Magnet Experiments

So now we have learned about magnets, let’s explore magnetism in science and do some experiments and projects. These are always great fun and students always find experiments with magnets really exciting. We love a project that gets kids excited to learn!

WARNING: Magnets are very dangerous if swallowed. Never, ever place magnets in your mouth, and don’t allow any young children to use magnets that can not do so safely. Small magnets in particular are very dangerous and easy to swallow. Strong magnets can also pinch fingers as they can attract strongly and suddenly. Always use caution and adult supervision.

Magnetic compass

Channel your inner Einstein and learn how to make a simple magnetic compass . This is a fun way to explore the magnetic forces by making your own compass.

Wingardium Leviosa

Is your kid waiting for their owl? Why not start with a charms class now and practice Wingardium Leviosa with this experiment that plays with paper clips and magnetic forces.

Flying Ghosts is a spooky twist on the Wingardium Leviosa experiment.

Jitter Bugs

This is a wonderful project that allows students to really play with magnetic forces as they try to get perpetual motion as their bugs jitter and dance around thanks to magnet science! It is also a wonderful STEM project where students can build their STEM mastery in Engineering and Math.

We love our lady bugs so much, we also decided to make a Spider magnetic science STEM Project , with the spider that dances and swings on a web.

Make It Move

This is a fun challenge for kids called Make it Move, that includes a magnetism component . The goal is to figure out how to move toy cars down a track without touching them. One option is to use magnets!

Electromagnetic Crane

For your more advanced students, including middle grade and high school students, challenge them to take magnetism to the next level with electromagnetic circuits. Then turn it into an incredible Electromagnet Crane Project .

Magnetic Painting

Another idea like Make it Move is to put little pile of paint (do a few piles of different colours for extra fun!) on a paper plate or sheet of cardstock. Then place a magnet on top of the plate between the paint. Using a magnet wand, move the top magnet through the paint to create a special piece of art. Another version is magnet marble painting .

Troll Bogey’s Magnetic Slime

We love to have fun with our science around here, and in this project we couldn’t make a normal magnetic slime, nope, we turned ours into a Harry Potter inspired project with Troll Bogey magnetic slime ! So grossly awesome!

Simple Magnet Experiment

One of the best ways to learn about magnets is to explore with them! We mentioned earlier a great game where you give kids a magnet wand and send them around to find all the things they can that are magnetic.

Another simple project is to gather some metal filings and place them in a bottle. Using a magnet or magnet wand, drag it around the outside of the bottle and see what happens to the filings. Now what happens if you try using two magnets? For an extra twist try adding some water to the bottle and see what happens when you put the magnet on the outside of the bottle. If you have a magnet that fits inside a straw, try sliding the magnet into the straw then into the bottle. What happens?

More magnet activity ideas from some of our STEM friends!

Build an Electromagnet – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Magnetic Magic – Spinning Pen – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Magnetic Train – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Magnet Maze – Pacman Game – Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Magnet Pendulum – Teach Beside Me

Bouncing Magnets – Babble Dabble Do

Magnetic Sculptures – Babble Dabble Do

Heavy Metal Art with magnets and iron filings – Babble Dabble Do

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Start your engines and learn about the ignition coil, a key to operating your car.

Inductive Pendulum

Get the swing of electromagnetic induction with this device.

Inductive Reactance

Like resistance, reactance slows down an electrical current. This phenomenon occurs only in AC circuits.

Kelvin Water Dropper

The legendary Lord Kelvin made electricity from water with his water dropper.

Lodge's Experiment

Sir Oliver Lodge's experiment demonstrating the first tunable radio receiver was an important stepping stone on the path toward the invention of a pra…

Lorentz Force

A wire fashioned into a pendulum moves inside a magnetic field, demonstrating the Lorentz force.

Magnetic Core Memory

Magnetic core memory was developed in the late 1940s and 1950s, and remained the primary way in which early computers read, wrote and stored data unti…

Magnetic Domains

Why can some materials be turned into magnets? It’s all thanks to magnetic domains.

Magnetic Field Around a Wire

Whenever current travels through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated.

Magnetic Field of a Solenoid

You can create a stronger, more concentrated magnetic field by taking wire and forming it into a coil called a solenoid.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines, commonly known as MRIs, are awesome diagnostic tools for medical applications and research. Relying on strong sup…

Magnetic Shunt

Magnetic shunts are often used to adjust the amount of flux in the magnetic circuits found in most electrical motors.

Mass Spectra

Mass spectrum reveals how many isotopes of a given element are to be found in a material.

Mass Spectrometer (Dual Sector)

Mass spectrometers are instruments that give scientists insight into the composition of complex materials. These spectrometers can analyze materials a…

Mass Spectrometer (Single Sector)

Mass spectrometers are instruments that give scientists information on the composition of a material. Mass spectrometers can pick apart complex substa…

How does a microwave heat your food? Water interacting with high-frequency electromagnetic waves.

Ørsted's Compass

In 1820, Hans Christian Ørsted discovered the relationship between electricity and magnetism in this very simple experiment.

Parallel Wires

A pair of parallel wires serves to illustrate a principle that French scientist André-Marie Ampère was the first to comprehend.

Pixii Machine

This “magneto-electric machine” was the first to turn motion into electricity.

Simple Electrical Cell

The simple electrical cell explained here is the most basic type of "wet" cell and demonstrates the fundamental chemistry behind batteries.

Tape Recorder

Two heads — or even three — are better than one when it comes to understanding how tape recorders harness electromagnetic induction.

Transformers

Transformers are devices that transfer a voltage from one circuit to another circuit via induction.

Transmission Lines

Electricity goes through some ups and downs on its way from the power plant to your house. Here's how it works.

Van de Graaff Generator

The Van de Graaff generator is a popular tool for teaching the principles of electrostatics. You might remember it as the thing that made your hair st…

Voltaic Pile

Italian scientist Alessandro Volta was the first to recognize key principles of electrochemistry, and applied those principles to the creation of the …

Wheatstone Bridge

This circuit is most commonly used to determine the value of an unknown resistance to an electrical current.