Preview draft. Activities have not been tested with caregivers.
Science · The activity desk
Which spoon attracts a magnet?
Watch an adult compare how a magnet interacts with two large spoons.
Let's play →
A little plan for play
Open interactive activity →Add to play journal →What you need
A large intact classroom magnet with a fully enclosed magnet, a large steel spoon that attracts it, and a large wooden spoon
Age: 3–5 years; choose for the individual child.
Stay with the child throughout. Check the space and supplies, including anything within reach of younger siblings. Skip any activity that is unsuitable. Stop if a child puts non-food material in their mouth or becomes distressed. Use intact books, full sheets of paper, a large child-appropriate crayon and a clean, dry towel. Follow product labels; remove torn paper and keep broken crayons and caps away from children. Adult handles and stores supplies.
Set up: An adult checks the magnet is intact and securely enclosed, tests the steel spoon in advance, and sets both spoons on a clear table.
Adult's role: Hold and control the magnet throughout the demonstration. Keep it out of children's reach before and after play.
Let's make it happen
- Look at the two spoons and choose one to test first.
- Watch the adult bring the enclosed magnet close to the spoon. Notice whether it is attracted.
- The adult tests the other spoon. Compare the results and describe what you noticed.
Make it simpler: Watch the adult test one spoon and point to what happens.
Clean up: The adult checks the magnet remains intact and stores it securely out of children's reach. Put the spoons away.
An adult controls the magnet at all times. Never use loose or damaged magnets or small magnetic pieces around children; stop and store the magnet if its casing is damaged.