Hands-On Science: Magnet Sensory Bin
A few years ago, a friend of mine mailed us the sweetest care package! She included the most gorgeous little dress for the girls and some fun toys for our boys! As a fellow teacher, she knew the kids of things I would like – books, of course…stickers, most definitely…and check out these fun magnets she sent their way, too!
I decided to use them for a quick little hands-on science activity that was super easy to put together! Magnet exploration, anyone?
Hands-On Science: Magnet Sensory Bin
I gathered our magnets…
…then I used a shoebox size plastic container from IKEA (I use these for everything!) to gather up a variety of different kitchen items…I made sure to include items made of various types of metals, a few plastic utensils, and a handful of wooden items…
The activity? My boys took turns choosing an item out of the bin and guessing whether or not the item they chose was magnetic. I asked questions like “Why?” and “What makes you think that?”. Then, they put their hypothesis to the test! I’m not sure which our kiddos liked more…saying the word “hypothesis” over and over again (The first time we did this, that was a new word for them.) or actually testing out the magnets!
This was a fun experiment that could work well at home…in the classroom…as a learning center…any way you want to use it. Just a quick heads up: engineer-minded daddies will love getting involved with this activity, too!
Buy Large Magnets Here
Interested in free printable pages to use with this activity? Here you go!
Interested in more information about homeschooling your preschooler? I offer the following posts:
- Two-Year-Old Homeschool Preschool
- Three-Year-Old Homeschool Pre-school
- Four-Year-Old Homeschool Pre-school
as well as a free Homeschool Preschool e-course designed to encourage you as you get started!
Want to read more about our family’s Lifestyle of Homeschooling? Our daily schedule? A look at our week? I would be honored to share with you how we have adopted a lifestyle of living and learning together and how you can do the same with your own family:
