Monthly Archives: August 2018

  1. Make Your Own Compass

    Make Your Own Compass

    Turn an ordinary sewing needle into a compass, with the help of a magnet.

    You Need

    • A small bowl (not a metal one)
    • A small piece of cork or foam
    • A sewing needle
    • A bar magnet
    • A compass

    What To Do

    • Place some water in the bowl so the cork/foam can float easily.
    • Hold the needle firmly on the bench with one finger on one end.
    • Take the bar magnet and stroke the needle firmly with the South pole end, all the way from the eye to the tip. Do this at least 50 times, stroking the whole length of the needle in the same direction each time.
    • Push the needle through the middle of the cork/form, then float it gently in the water.
    • Allow the needle to orient itself. If you place a compass next to the bowl, you will find the compass needle and the floating needle will be pointing in the same direction – North.
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  2. Magnetic Attraction

    Magnetic Attraction

    A wonderfully simple exploratory activity for little scientists that incorporates plenty of scientific thinking.

    You Need

    • A magnet, such as a horseshoe magnet or magnet wand 
    • An assortment of metal and non-metal household items such as: A key, some coins, a food can, a soft drink can, a metal spoon, a wooden spoon, a gold or silver necklace, a paper clip, aluminium foil, a baking tray, a metal toy car, a plastic toy, a small piece of wood, a small glass marble or glass jar, a rubber band, and a cork.
    • Two large bowls or containers, labeled ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.


    What To Do

    • Hand the child the magnet and let them work their way through the samples, sorting the magnetic ones into the ‘Yes’ bowl and the no
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