For the month of January, I have a series of posts on ideas with magnets. I have had this idea for magnet tubes on my science center page for a few years now, but I got a more close up picture of them, so I thought I’d post a better photo. (Note: Since then, I have seen these tubes on other sites and blogs, but I did not take this idea from another site. It was my own idea, but as people tend to think alike sometimes, others must have thought of it, also.)
I like to plunder through craft stores and hardware stores looking for things I can use at school. I guess you could say it’s a hobby. When I came across these coin collector tubes at Hobby Lobby one day, I immediately knew I could use these for something, and thought about making magnet tubes.
I bought the tubes that are made for a stack of quarters. I collected magnetic objects and non-magnetic objects to put inside, and the lids just screw on. I haven’t had a problem with kids taking the lids off, but if that’s a concern, you could glue the lids shut, or add tape around them. Children first make their predictions: which items will be magnetic and which items will not be magnetic? Then they use a magnet wand to “test” the bottles, and compare the results to their predictions. This Magnet Sorting Mat could be used with this activity, or you can label two baskets “magnetic” and “not-magnetic” for sorting the tubes.
From left to right, these are the objects in the bottles as pictured:
- magnetic bingo chips
- mini jingle bells
- coins
- stack of disk magnets
- thumb tacks
- paper clips
- wooden hearts (craft supplies)
- iron filings
- plastic beads
- pencil eraser
- seashells
Since the lids can be screwed on and off, you could change out the items in the bottles. A few ideas for other items:
- marbles
- key
- toothpicks
- buttons (metal or plastic)
- paper
- bread ties
- pebbles
- rubber bands
- sand
- glitter
- cotton
- dice
More magnet activities to come this month!
About Karen Cox
These are awesome! I’ve seen them too but I like your tubes that you used! Thanks for the idea list on what to put in there.
Thanks so much!
What a great idea. I like the tubes and all the objects you put in them. I’ve included your post on my weekly favorites list here: http://play2grow.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekly-favorites-for-january-9-2011.html
Thanks for the amazing idea! I can’t wait to try this out with my daughter.
Thanks Mae!
I love your website. I use many of the ideas I get from you. The photos are very helpful. Thank you for taking the enormous amount of time you put into the pictures and writing of this website. I appreciate it!!!
Thanks so much, Judy!
Thank you so much for sharing your ideas with us! I love to find new uses for things found at hobby stores, hardware stores, etc. too! This activity is great.
Thanks, Dee! Glad you enjoyed it!
So happy I came across your website
I really love and enjoy your website and ideas…Great Job!
Thanks so much Shay!
thank you very much for share this great ideas , i will use them with my little ones.
Thanks, Myriam!