Entertain Your Kids with Magnets

can do some incredible things, like accelerate a train at speeds over 300 mph (see our blog) or power an MRI to look through the human body (we also have a blog on this). However, sometimes it’s just fun to conduct experiments with them. It can be hard to find activities for the kids to do that are both educational and fun, so we’ve decided to share some of our favourite DIY magnet experiments to keep your kids (and you) entertained. When participating in these experiments, it’s important to follow proper safety measures. You must keep in mind a few critical points: Neodymium magnets must be handled with care to avoid personal injury as well as damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets, and bones can be broken by larger magnets. Children should not be allowed to play with neodymium magnets, they can be dangerous with small magnets posing a choking hazard. Magnets should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body. 1.Make magnetic silly putty Magnetic putty has the same spongy texture as silly putty but reacts with magnets in striking ways. You can make your own magnetic putty with this simple and quick tutorial. This experiment uses iron oxide powder; therefore, it must be carried out by an adult. What you’ll need Putty Neodymium magnets Iron oxide powder (can find at most art supply stores) Face mask Newspaper or plastic Disposable gloves Steps Open the putty and warm it by rolling it around in your hands for a few minutes until it’s stretchy. In a well-ventilated area, put down your newspaper or plastic to protect surfaces from staining. Roll the putty out into a flat round shape. Put on your gloves and face mask and open the iron oxide powder container. Working with iron oxide powder can produce dust that should not be inhaled or ingested in any way, so it is crucial that you wear protective gear. Add a teaspoon of iron oxide powder in the centre of the flattened putty. Once finished, seal the iron oxide powder container to prevent any excess dust emission. Fold over the putty to cover the iron and begin to knead and work the putty in your hands until the iron is completely dispersed within it. When the putty is completely black throughout, it’s ready. Use a neodymium magnet and watch how the putty reacts. A couple of tricks that you can try are: Putty following a magnet – Thin the putty out by stretching it into a worm-like form and hold your magnet close to it. Move the magnet around and watch the putty follow it. Putty engulfing a magnet – Place a magnet next to the putty and watch as it is slowly swallows the magnet. Click here to see magnetic putty in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXJuJQVrgbI Click the link to read more

For more information on Entertain Your Kids with Magnets talk to Goudsmit Magnetics (UK) Ltd