We love sensory bins around here. And this one has a science twist!
It’s quite simple because it uses things you already have lying around the house. Get ready for some creative fun and learning with this magnetic sensory bin!
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Supplies:
A bin
Objects that react to magnets (See ideas below)
Some non-magnetic things (See ideas below)
Magnets (Like THIS kit!
So many different kinds. We use it for lots of playful learning!)
Directions for Magnetic Sensory Bin:
For our objects that react to magnets, I used some spoons, brads and paper clips, other magnets and some trains. For the non-magnetic objects I found some rubber toy wheels, plastic animals, and even ice!
I asked my son to hypothesize about which objects would respond to a magnet and which ones wouldn’t be effected. His theory was that cold objects are attracted to magnets. I thought that was a neat guess and let him test out his theory (and that’s when I added the ice).
It was really cool to watch him realize that his hypothesis was wrong and see him formulate a new one. I encouraged him to not see a failed hypothesis as a setback but as science at work; taking him one step closer to a discovery.
Eventually he realized that the magnetism could pass through more than one object. SWEET!
Sensory bins are one of our go-to activities around here. Check out a bunch more sensory bins and bags that we’ve done!
[…] Magnetic Sensory Bin […]