Magnetic Boogie Science Experiment

Attach metal doodads to a piece of string and watch them dance!

Submitted by
Kayla Chong

Have your kid tape small magnetic items, like paper clips or washers, to the end of a string. Then have her wave the handmade magnetic magic wand in front of them and watch 'em boogie.

Choreographer:
Your kid.
Magnetic tape
Jumbo craft stick or popsicle stick
Craft paint
Glitter
Scissors
Small magnetic stuff:
Like paper clips, keys, screws, washers, etc.

First invite your kid to make her magnetic magic wand. Invite her to decorate her craft or popsicle stick. She can paint it, cover it in glitter and jazz it up with stickers. Encourage her to make it her own.
Let it dry.
Help your kid cut two pieces of magnetic tape and stick them on to both sides of one end of the stick. It's like her "magic" magnetic wand.
Next, help your kid cut two pieces of magnetic tape and stick them onto the stick, covering both sides of one end.
Invite your kid to raid your desk or toolbox and pick out a bunch of lightweight, small magnetic stuff, like a handful of paper clips or some washers.
Then help her cut a 7- or 8-inch piece of yarn.
If she's using paper clips, have her link a few together.
Help your kid tape the magnetic stuff to one end of the yarn and tape the other end to the edge of the coffee table.
Turn on your kid's favorite music.
Invite her to wave her wand in front of the dangling magnetic items. They'll "dance" around, following the movements of the wand. Encourage your kid to boogie along with them!