Easy Science for Kids

In recent years, magnetic toys for kids have increased in popularity. One of my most popular posts is how to build a simple magnetic car with kids! Talk about fun science with kids! Why is this such a popular genre and what is this craze all about? Read on to learn more about the science of magnetism and fun activities to learn more about magnetism! This post includes tons of resources, toys, activities, & ideas to learn all about magnetism for kids!

Related Read: DIY Magnetic Sand Table

It seems that each generation of children has a favorite memory involving a particular toy or game. The millennial generation of childhood memories is likely to include a plethora of technology-laden devices, games, and toys. It is helpful and encouraging to consider that some tried and true items like educational toys will make the cut. 

Educational Toys – Magnetism for Kids

Educational toys may be the preference of parents and teachers, but children often balk at the idea. Another boring learning toy or puzzle map is simply beyond the scope of interest of today's generation. However, when children are exposed to the fascinating world of magnetism, they suddenly change their minds about educational choices. They can play, learn, explore and experiment safely at their leisure while parents monitor with pleasure.

Magnetism activities for kids are sure to be approved by mom and loved by kids! The simple reason is that magnetism is not something visible. Rather, this phenomenon is a mysterious puzzle that children can literally spend hours trying to solve. They will enlist help from friends, siblings, and parents. “How does magnetism work?” they will wonder aloud. This may lead to a trip to the dictionary as they ponder what is the definition of magnetism.

Related Read: Easy Science Experiments for Kids – Surface Tension

Some examples of magnetism of interest to children include magnetic cars, veterinary magnets, and floating sand magnets. Each of these products draws children to inquire about nature, the environment around them, and energy. Magnetic toys offer children a chance to develop an interest in science, which will likely deepen over time.

What is the Definition of Magnetism?

When children ask what is the definition of magnetism, parents often become flustered because this is not an easy concept. To address the matter simply depending on the age level and comprehension of the child is the best approach. Most children cannot understand and are not interested in the physical dynamics of magnetism. However, even younger children can understand a comparison between gravity and magnetic pull.

For example, toddlers understand that something pulls them toward the ground. A demonstration with two common refrigerator magnets will solidify the example. The next step for most curious youngsters is to find out what else the magnet sticks to or repels. Given the example, parents should not be surprised if the first stop is the ground! The hours of fun and laughter that come with magnetic toys is not limited only to the children who are playing! Parents are also entertained by the process and may even reconnect to their own childhood memories.

Older children or siblings of children receiving magnetic toys should be encouraged to learn more about magnetism. At a deeper level, this study could prompt an interest in physics, math, and future scientific experiments. It is even possible that adolescents begin to ponder a career as a geologist or a meteorologist. But that may be a little ahead of the curve when discussing magnetic toys for kids.

Recommended Magnetism For Kids Activities

Playtime for children is an important part of the day and provides time to process information and decompress. Believe it or not, even preschoolers sometimes have stressful days. Allowing them to relax and unwind is preparing them for the future by providing examples of transferrable coping skills. Young children experiencing the release of tension through learning have lower stress levels later in life.

Magnetism activities for kids provide the best of both worlds. They are obviously fun for children. The parents are ecstatic because the children are happy and learning to process frustration in a healthy way. Magnetic toys for children are virtually as important as reading, talking with peers, and performing daily chores. Each of these areas of accomplishment increase self-esteem, build confidence and increase comprehension. In essence, they help children become better adults in the future.

Magnetic Toys For Kids

With so many options to choose from, families will have fun just in their selection of educational magnetic toys. Many forms of magnetic erector sets are available and can be purchased either in bulk or slowly enhanced over time. Bright colors, primary colors, and pastels are blended with the metallic shimmer of magnets. These sets come in multiple themes and sizes to accommodate even the smallest hands. Most erector sets can even be mixed together for future engineers to construct elaborate structures. The combinations are virtually endless and serve to effectively boost the imagination of children constructing unique worlds of magnetic pleasure.

Aside from the most common erector sets, there are tons of other magnetic toys for children. Magnetic baby toys like mobiles, blocks, puzzles, and cars will last several years. Toddlers may enjoy more complicated blocks and magnetic maze sets. In addition to the sensory development that occurs with magnetic toys, there are other benefits at each age range. For example, puzzles for toddlers and beyond are more complex than those for infants and can help improve dexterity. Kites and other magnetic motion toys are believed to improve hand-eye coordination.

With the many benefits of magnetism featured in learning toys, parent flock to the aisles for the latest releases. It is no wonder because educational toys are truly the way to prepare future generations for success. Since featured magnetism toys are available for any price range, every child should have the chance to enjoy them.

Selections of magnetic toys are available in stores, online, and in specialty catalogs. Parents are able to shop competitively for their favorite products and benefit from reading the reviews of other consumers. Starter sets of magnetic building blocks is a great place to begin a collection of magnetic toys.

Next Steps with Learning about Magnetism for Kids

Depending on age and skill level, children will develop their own play style and areas of expertise. The next step is to observe children at play with the magnetic set and determine when they are ready to advance to a new level. The next step may be moveable magnetic toys or animated magnetic toys. Toddlers especially have a tendency to lose focus or become bored. The moveable parts and physical draw of magnetic toys will keep them busy for hours! This, of course, is an additional benefit for parents and teachers who have constant distractions and demands on their time.

By the way, there are so many cool things to learn about magnetism. For example, did you know that there is such a thing as animal magnetism? True story! Some animals, such as pigeons, bees, and salmon, can detect the Earth's magnetic field and use it to navigate. Scientists aren't sure how they do this, but these creatures seem to have magnetic material in their bodies that acts much like a compass. Learn more cool facts about magnetism here!

How to Build a Catapult with Kids

Catapults are a classic building activity for kids. Believe it or not, catapults have been around since medieval times. Catapults are a tool used to launch an item a great distance without additional aid from explosives.

They have been proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms during warfare.  That is pretty amazing given that building a catapult is relatively easy to put together.

How does a Catapult Work?

Don't forget to take the learning beyond build the catapult and into math and more science!  The science behind a catapult is physics. A catapult launches with stored energy. The energy used with catapults include tension, torsion, and gravity.

Learn more about how catapults work (and learn about the main types of catapults) by visiting one of my favorite sites!

The Best Catapult Ideas for Kids

Popsicle Stick Catapult

This popsicle stick catapult by Buggy and Buddy uses simple materials: rubber bands, plastic spoon, popsicle sticks, and pom poms.

Catapult with Legos

Learn how to build a catapult with legos by visiting this post on Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls

Make a catapult with Tinker Toys

This post is particularly appealing because it outline where to take the learning once you build the catapult. There is measuring, estimations, and hypotheses being done!

Lincoln Log Catapult

Yes! Brain Power Boy offers a sweet & traditional version of a catapult. Learn how to build a catapult with Lincoln Logs!

Chocolate Launching Popsicle Stick Catapult

Build a Chocolate Launching Catapult & win the hearts of children everywhere. Seriously. Like Everywhere.

PVC Catapult for the Win

A PVC Catapult is a bit more labor and material intensive simply because it involves a trip to the hardware store. You have to purchase a variety of PVC pipe sizes, connectors, and duct tape. Not too difficult to put together but requires some organization.

Pencil Catapult

So simple! This pencil catapult by Little Bins for Little Hands is a fun back to school activity that also requires very few materials: pencils & rubber bands.

Tissue Box Catapult

Frugal Fun for Boys & Girls shows us how to build a catapult with a tissue box! As you can see in this photo, you really don't need much else other than a glue gun, a cap, a paper hole punch, a straw, pencils, and scissors.

Paper Towel Tube Catapult

I love activities that require not much more than checking out the recycling bin. Master how to build a catapult with paper towel tubes, a bit of yarn, pom poms, tape, a wooden spoon, and rubber bands.

Cardboard Box Catapult

Learn how to build a catapult with a cardboard box. iKatbag shows us a simple way to build a catapult with recycled materials and materials you have around your home.

Further Learning

Asking open ended questions is a fantastic way to keep the learning rolling. Here are a few ideas for catapults:

• Talk about projectile motion and ask for predictions on how far various objects will go
• Switch up the launching object
• Build other types of catapults and see how changing the materials mixes up the energy
• Ask a lot of what happens if and what happens when questions