As a child I loved learning about science. Conducting experiments to prove facts and test out theories was wonderful and it satisfied my natural curiosity, much like so many children.
Here is a simple science experiment that you can do at home!
You will need –
- 1 container or drinking glass
- Pipe cleaner (at least 1)
- Scissors
- Magnet (about $4 from craft stores)
Method
Use the scissors and cut up the pipe cleaners into 1 – 2cm strands. Add them to the container and close the lid. Place the magnet somewhere on the container, give the whole thing a light shake and you will find the strands are attracted to the magnet.
How cool is that?????
Basically it happens because magnets have an invisible force field that causes it to attract and stick to metals such as what is found inside these pipe cleaners. This force is strong enough to pass through some materials like the plastic of this container.
How about you get your children to test out and answer some of these questions –
- What happens if the pipe cleaners are cut longer/shorter?
- Would this experiment work if it was in a container of wood, glass, paper etc?
- How far away does the magnet need to be before it attracts the pipe cleaner pieces?
- Are some colours more attracted than others?
- What items around the house attract a magnet? What doesn’t?
- How thick does the material between the magnet and the pipe cleaners need to be before it stops them drawing together?
I hope your children have fun with this science experiment.
Kate x
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Jack and Sarah will love this. We still have our magnets out and they play with them most days. I was just thinking today how I could extend it some more…this will be a nice addition 🙂
Awesome!
We’ve done this before in a sensory bottle collection using pipe cleaners & paper clips… It’s still pretty interesting. Definitely cool 🙂
My kids would love this. We’ve done this before but it was a long time ago and we only used a fridge magnet which didn’t work so well. I’ve got my eyes peeled for a magnet wand. Those pipe cleaners are awesome colours too! Hannah (Paint on the Ceiling)
Oh, this is SOOO easy and SOOO cool!
Love this Kate…I haven’t really done much with magnets but I really want to so this shall be perfect…thanks for the inspiration!
This is so cool! Pinned it x
I agree with Kylie, soooo cool! I need to do more scientific experiments like this with Poss
I have seen this everywhere on Pinterest Kate. Love it to bits! A plastic jar. Too simple! I always thought of using a glass one, but a plastic one is much better. xo P
I loved this when I saw it on fb. I’ve been looking out for one of those magnets ever since.
This a pretty great project…I’m sure i will get a passing grade for the science fair
You excelled again with your idea. ❤️ Another item to add to my grandma box so when the grandchildren visit they have new activities.
Nawwwww thank you Marilyn! You are such a fun grandma. Let me know how you get on. 🙂
greaaaaaaaaat
coooool stuff
Thanks Wandile! Hope you have a fabulous day. 🙂
Thank you
You are very welcome Manaswi! Hope you get some time to try it out yourself.
I have a science experiment to do and i´m going to use your idea!! This looks so COOL!!!!