Exploring magnets makes an awesome discovery table! Discovery tables are simple low tables set up with a theme for kids to explore. Usually the materials laid out are meant for as much independent discovery and exploration as possible. Magnets are fascinating science and kids love to play with them! Preschool science activities for kids make great play ideas too!

Exploring Magnets With Preschoolers

Exploring Magnets Preschool Science Table

DISCOVERY TABLES FOR PRESCHOOLERS

I have been trying to give my son the opportunity to make discoveries for himself without becoming frustrated or disinterested by activities that are too difficult. As his interests and skills increase so will the level of play chosen for the table. Each table is only available for as long as he is interested!

A science center or discovery table for young kids is an excellent way for kids to investigate, observe, and explore their own interests and at their own pace. Theses kinds of centers or tables are usually filled with kid friendly materials that don’t need constant adult supervision.

A science center may have either a general theme or a specific theme depending upon the current season, interests, or lesson plans! Usually kids are allowed to explore what interests them and to observe and experiment without adult led activities. For example; dinosaurs, 5 senses, rainbows, nature, farms and more!

CHECK OUT ALL OUR SCIENCE CENTER IDEAS FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Have you noticed that kids love to explore and are naturally curious too. Our job as "teachers" whether that means parents, school teachers, or care givers is to provide them with meaningful ways to discover new concepts on their own. I have seen preschool science centers in action in my son's school, and we have set up simple discovery tables at home too. Start science and STEM off on the right foot and play! FUN WAYS TO SET UP PRESCHOOL SCIENCE CENTERS

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PRESCHOOL MAGNETS

What are magnets? Magnets are rocks or metals that create an invisible field around themselves. This field attracts other magnets and certain metals.  Kids will discover a magnetic field is concentrated around the ends of magnets which are called poles.

Explore magnets with preschoolers with some of the following simple magnet activities.

MAGNET SENSORY BIN

Include a simple sensory bin filled with colored rice, magnetic objects (2nd hand magnet kit), and a magnetic wand for finding all the treasures. I gave him a separate bucket to fill with what he found!  Pipe cleaners and paper clips are easy additions!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: All About Sensory Bins

MAGNETIC CONTAINER

Take a simple plastic container and fill it with cut up pipe cleaner pieces. See how you can move them around with the wand? Can you pull one up to the top from outside the container?

magnet table quad

WHAT’S MAGNETIC AND WHAT’S NOT

This is a simple tray to make observations about what is magnetic with common objects from around the house or the classroom. Great for discussion on why or why not something is magnetic.

MAGNETS AND WATER

Fill a tall vase with water and add a paper clip to it. Use the magnetic  wand to pull it out of the water. He thought this was so cool. Maybe his favorite!

magnet table activities
magnet table trio play

He enjoyed using the bar magnet to test the objects and was excited to show me what was magnetic or to tell me what didn’t stick. I started noticing the bar magnet stuck around the house as well. He also used the wand to explore the bin quite a bit, seeing how many items he could pick up with it at one time!

MAGNETIC FISH

I also made this magnetic fishing game by simply cutting out fish and placing a paper clip on each one. He used a pretend fishing rod from a puzzle to go fishing. I also included magnetic discs for him to pick up.

fishing game duo

MORE FUN MAGNET ACTIVITIES

  • Magnetic Slime
  • Magnet Maze
  • Magnet Painting
  • Magnetic Ornaments
  • Magnet Ice Play
  • Magnetic Sensory Bottles

HOW TO SET UP PRESCHOOL MAGNET ACTIVITIES

Click on the image below or on the link for more preschool science activities.

Preschool science experiments and activities that last well into kindergarten science and early elementary science for kids ages 3-9. Classic science activities that kids love and you will find easy and inexpensive to set up. Simple science information to share with young kids sparks curiosity every time you repeat an experiment.

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5 Comments

  2. Thanks Jaime I did! I really lucked out with a huge 2nd hand magnet set! However, I think it will last us a long time even if I had bought it new.

  5. Pingback: Magnets for Kids - 20 of the COOLEST Magnet Wand Activities - LalyMom

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