Magnetic and non-magnetic is typically a very popular science activity for Montessori preschoolers. It’s one of the introductory science presentations in the primary (preschool) Montessori classroom and is an activity that can work well in a homeschool or preschool environment.
Following are some ideas for magnetic and non-magnetic from around the blogosphere.
Disclosure: This post contains Montessori Services affiliate links (at no cost to you).
Montessori Preschool Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activities
Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic from Counting Coconuts
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic by Cindy from Along the Way at Totally Tots
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic from The Education of Ours
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic from Umamah Learning Academy
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic (photo) and Magnetic and Non-Magnetic from The Adventures of Bear
Use of a Magnet Presentation from Moteaco
Free Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Printables from Primary Treasure Chest
Free Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Sorting Mat from PreKinders
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials Available for Purchase from Montessori Print Shop
Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Activity Available for Purchase (containing all necessary items) from Montessori Services
(My review from an earlier Montessori Services Review/Giveaway): The Montessori Services magnetic/non-magnetic activity includes:
- 9 Magnetic Items
- 9 Non-Magnetic Items
- Economy Tray (T200)
- Plastic Box (B108)
- Horseshoe Magnet (SC951)
- Plastic Box (B104)
- Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Labels
- Presentation and Extension Suggestions
I really like the Alnico horseshoe magnet that’s included with the set. It has an especially strong magnetic field and would work well for a variety of activities exploring magnets … as well as for “fishing” games you can prepare to reinforce colors, shapes, letters, or numbers.
The magnetic/non-magnetic activity can be set up in just a few minutes. The labels are made with a special new material that doesn’t need to be laminated. You can bend the material and get it wet.
I’ve seen magnetic/non-magnetic activities prepared in a number of different formats in Montessori schools and Montessori manuals. Some teachers have the child test and sort the materials on the tray itself. My photo of the magnetic/non-magnetic activity on a Montessori Services rug shows one way the activity could be laid out.If you prefer to prepare your own magnetic/non-magnetic activity rather than purchasing the set, you can purchase most of the parts separately from Montessori Services. The horseshoe magnet is great, and I find Montessori Services trays and boxes useful for activities of all kinds.
Variations on the Traditional Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity and Montessori Elementary Magnet Activities
Free Magnet Printables and Montessori-Inspired Magnet Activities
FREE Magnet Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
Free Magnet Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)
Spielgaben STEM Challenge: Build and Fly a Magnetic Airplane
Fun Magnetic Vehicle STEM Trays and Activity Bags
Spanish Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity from Olives and Pickles
3 Ways to Have Fun with Magnets from Gift of Curiosity
Magnet Sensory Bin from Little Hands, Big Work
Magnetic Fishing from The Wonder Years
Sink or Float and Magnetic or Non-Magnetic from Tired, Need Sleep
Magnetic Bottle from The Wonder Years
Discovery Magnetism Box from The Imagination Tree
Layers of the Earth, Magnetism (Elementary) and More Magnetism from What DID We Do All Day?
Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity for Seniors from The Moveable Alphabet (The blog is no longer available.)
Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!
The Montessori at Home! eBook and Montessori at Home! eBook and Materials Bundle are AMAZING resources! You can learn more about them here. Buy them in the Living Montessori Now shop.
If this is your first time visiting Living Montessori Now, welcome! If you haven’t already, please join us on our Living Montessori Now Facebook page where you’ll find a Free Printable of the Day and lots of inspiration and ideas for parenting and teaching! And please follow me on Pinterest (lots of Montessori-, holiday-, and theme-related boards), Instagram, and YouTube. You can find me on bloglovin’ and Twitter, too.
And don’t forget one of the best ways to follow me by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You’ll receive some awesome freebies in the process!
Antoinette says
I love Montessori Monday. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Jill says
Having hands-on science fun with magnets is always a plus. Every child seems to have a blast when trying to figure out if something is magnetic or not. Thank you for sharing and for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop.
Jode says
So many great ideas with magnets, thanks so much for sharing, shall be incorporating some into my family day care program for the kids this week!
Cherine says
Magnetism have been a favorite in our house. Ava particularly loves the magnetic nonmagnetic activity. It’s on my list of posts to come! I really love the idea of using the Venn diagram, that will be interesting for her and Xander as well.
Anna says
What a great science resource! Thanks for linking up again, Deb.
Gaye Truesdell says
These are awesome activities. I am always looking for fun things to do with our schoolings.
Gaye T
Angelina says
Love all these ideas! I think I’m gonna have to buy me some magnets soon!
Ashley says
One of these days I will get around to doing this with my kids! Featured you on Mom’s Library this week!
Carolyn Hadsell says
Just wanting to add this unit of magnets and weighing exercises for an more extensive view.
Hope people can use these ideas.
http://inspiredmontessori.blogspot.com/2012/07/magnet-trays-and-scale-weighing.htmls
Clarissa Hooper says
These are great activities! I love exploring magnetism with my (almost) 2 year old. I even came up with a magnetic art activity for him (linked below) 🙂