Just for a bit of fun…..
You may remember a science experiment that I demonstrated on Laughing Kids Learn that highlighted magnetic force. Well, this activity came from me conducting that science experiment. You see, like children do, I started to get a bit creative and using the magnet as a little person and creating different hair styles.
I had a huge mound of pipe cleaners left over and so I cut them down into 2 cm strands.
Using the magnetic wand, which cost me $4AU from a craft store, I drew a simple nose and mouth and added some googly eyes. I used the end to start gathering up all the little pieces. I loved how the googly eyes seemed to come alive and look at the stands of hair that it suddenly was attracting to its ‘head’.
As you can see I started using the coloured strands to make patterns and various styles. It was so much fun.
Front & Back
I found that I was able to really create different expressions on my little magnetic characters my using pipe cleaner strands for eyebrows and tilt them in various directions. This could be fun and helpful for special needs children who have difficulty interpreting emotions.
Here is my best version of a punk! LOL
Possum was really curious to know what I was doing and probably because I was laughing to myself constantly. “Uppy” she would say over and over. I picked her up and let her hold the little magnetic creature I’d made. She smiled and clearly thought my work was wonderful. Unfortunate this activity, with all it’s small pieces, is well out of her age group.
See what wonderful characters your older children come up with and see how creative they can be with using pipe cleaners for hair styling. It’s lots of fun.
Kate x
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Hehe, now that looks like fun for the whole family. I have to get me a magnet wand!
SOOOO RAD!
Haha too funny. I love these. (And could Possum be any cuter? She is adorable!)
So many ideas come to mind for my 4th Grade class. The many different combinations they can make. They can draw the different faces and things they come up with and then compare and contrast using 2 or 3 Venn Diagrams. Students could then write about their drawings using their creations in a story telling about how they came to be and why they look like they do.
So many ideas come to mind for my 4th Grade class. The many different combinations they can make. They can draw the different faces and things they come up with and then compare and contrast using 2 or 3 Venn Diagrams. Students could then write about their drawings using their creations in a story telling about how they came to be and why they look like they do.
Hehe, now that looks like fun for the whole family. I have to get me a magnet wand!
Great idea! must find a magnetic wand, though there are not many craft stores where I live in the Northern Isles. Will try online. Thanks!
Hi Anne,
Thanks so much for your comment. My fingers are crossed you are able to track down a magnetic wand. They are worth the money and you can find other great activities to go with them online. Best wishes. Kate
Kate,
I love your site! I’m a grandmother and former preschool teacher and you are so creative. I get tired of always buying my grandchildren things (ages 3 and 7 mo). You’ve given a ton of ideas to just be with them and discover at the same time.
Thank you. I loved to do the same thing when my kids were little. Exploring with children opens our adult eyes to wonder again.
I will be with your postings for quite a while dear…Peggy
Thank you Peggy! You have made my day. 🙂
I am a Kindergarten teacher. You have provided me with awesome ideas to use in teaching about magnets in my class. These ideas are wonderful and i hadn’t thought of these before.
Thanks
Marlene, you’re wonderful! Thank you so kindly for your lovely message. I’m thrilled I’ve been helpful to you. Wishing you a lovely 2017.