Bury small metal objects -- paperclips, washers, bolts -- in a bin of sand or dry rice, then use a magnet tied to a string as a fishing tool to locate and pull them out one at a time. Compare which objects the magnet catches easily and which slip past.
What you need
- a bin of sand or dry rice
- small metal objects (paperclips, washers, bolts)
- a magnet
- string
How to do it
- 1Bury a mix of metal and non-metal small objects throughout the bin.
- 2Tie a magnet to a length of string to make a fishing tool.
- 3Sweep the magnet through the sand or rice, pulling up whatever it catches.
- 4Sort the results into 'magnetic' and 'not magnetic' piles as the dig continues.
Variations
- If metal objects aren't available in variety: paperclips alone, hidden at different depths, still make for a satisfying hunt.
- How it ends: a final count of everything found and sorted into the two piles gives the dig a clear, satisfying result.
💡 Parent tip
Include one or two surprising non-magnetic metal objects (like aluminum) to challenge the simple 'all metal sticks' assumption.
What your child develops
- Magnetism as a concept — directly testing which materials a magnet attracts and which it doesn't
- Sorting and classification — separating results into magnetic and non-magnetic groups
- Fine motor control — precise sweeping and pulling with the magnet tool
Safety notes
- Supervise closely with small objects and magnets around any child who still mouths items.
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