The Magic of Magnets: A Super Science Adventure!
- Tune Tots
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Hey, future scientists! Have you ever played with magnets and wondered, "How do they stick to things like magic?" Well, guess what? It's NOT magic—it's SCIENCE! Today, we’re going to uncover the secrets of magnets and even do a cool experiment that will make you feel like a magnet master!
What Are Magnets, Anyway?
Magnets are objects that create an invisible force called a magnetic field. This field attracts or repels certain metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt. (Sorry, aluminum foil and plastic, you’re NOT invited to the magnet party.)
The two ends of a magnet are called poles—a North Pole and a South Pole. Opposite poles attract (like best friends), and like poles repel (like two cats who don’t want to share a nap spot).
But why do magnets do this? It all comes down to teeny-tiny things called atoms. Inside atoms, there are electrons (super small particles) that move around and create an electric current. When enough electrons move in the same direction, they make a magnetic field—and BOOM! You’ve got a magnet!
Buzz to the Honey! Magnet Maze Challenge 🐝🍯
Now that you know how magnets work, it’s time to put them to the test with a sweet magnet maze adventure! Help Buzz or Bumble (or both!) find their way to the sweet honey in this fun magnet maze activity!
What You’ll Need:
Buzz to the Honey printable (download and print)
Scissors
3 small magnets
Glue or tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cut Out Buzz or Bumble! Cut out your bee character—Buzz or Bumble (or both!) from the printable.
Attach a Magnet! Tape or glue one small magnet to the back of Buzz or Bumble. This will allow your bee to “magically” move through the maze!
Set Up Your Magnet Maze! Use the remaining magnet underneath the paper to guide Buzz or Bumble through the maze. Move the magnets carefully to help them fly past flowers, apples, and other fun obstacles!
Find the Honey! Guide Buzz or Bumble through the maze until they reach their sweet honey goal. Watch out for fun things along the way, but don’t get stuck!
Ready, set, buzz—let’s get to that honey!
The Science Behind the Fun!
The bees follow the magnet because of the magnetic force created by the magnet underneath the paper. Since the bees have magnets attached, they respond to the pull and follow wherever you move the guiding magnet. That’s the power of magnets at work—just like the ones that help your fridge magnets stick!
Extra Fun Magnet Facts!
Earth is a giant magnet! It has a North and South Pole, just like a regular magnet. That’s why compasses work—they follow Earth’s magnetic field!
Electromagnets are magnets that turn on and off with electricity. They’re used in trains, doorbells, and even MRI machines in hospitals!
Scientists think the Sun and other stars have HUGE magnetic fields that can shoot out solar storms! That’s what causes the Northern Lights!
Explore More! Resources for Kids & Parents
📚 Books to Check Out:
"Magnets Push, Magnets Pull" by David A. Adler - Read aloud on YouTube!
"The Magic School Bus: Amazing Magnetism" by Joanna Cole (Amazon - Get your parents help!)
🎥 Cool Videos:
SciShow Kids: "Fun with Magnets!" (YouTube)
Magnetism | The Dr. Binocs Show (YouTube)
💡 More Hands-On Activities:
Try picking up different objects with a magnet—what sticks? What doesn’t?
Make your own compass using a needle, a magnet, and a bowl of water!
Final Thoughts: You’re a Magnet Master!
You did it! You learned all about magnets AND completed a fun science challenge. Next time you see a magnet, remember—it’s not magic, it’s magnetism!
Now go show your family and friends your awesome magnet maze and teach them some cool science facts. Who knows? Maybe one day, you'll invent the next big thing using magnets!
Stay curious, young scientists! - Tune Tots Team
What did you learn about how magnets work?
Opposite poles attract!
Magnets attract iron, nickel, and cobalt.
Electrons create a magnetic field.
Magnets don’t work on plastic or aluminum.