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Montessori Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity

October 28, 2013 By Deb Chitwood 10 Comments

Montessori Magnetic and Non-Magnetic ActivityMagnetic 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 (Photo from Counting Coconuts)

Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic (Photo from Counting Coconuts)

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 by Julie at The Adventures of Bear)

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic (Photo by Julie at The Adventures of Bear)

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 from Montessori Print Shop

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic from Montessori Print Shop

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

Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Activity (Photo from Montessori Services)

Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Activity (Photo 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.

Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Layout

Magnetic/Non-Magnetic Layout

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 Printables and Montessori-Inspired Magnet Activities

FREE Magnet Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

FREE Magnet Do-a-Dot Printable (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Free Magnet Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

Free Magnet Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download)

 

Spielgaben STEM Challenge: Build and Fly a Magnetic Airplane

Spielgaben STEM Challenge: Build and Fly a Magnetic Airplane

Fun Magnetic Vehicle STEM Trays and Activity BagsFun Magnetic Vehicle STEM Trays and Activity Bags

Spanish Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity from Olives and Pickles

Magnet Sensory Bin (Photo from Gift of Curiosity)

Magnet Sensory Bin (Photo from Gift of Curiosity)

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

Magnetism Discovery Box (Photo from The Imagination Tree)

Magnetism Discovery Box (Photo from The Imagination Tree)

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 Senior Citizens (The Moveable Alphabet)

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity for Senior Citizens (The Moveable Alphabet)

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Activity for Seniors from The Moveable Alphabet (The blog is no longer available.)

Deb - Signature
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Filed Under: Activities - Cultural, Montessori Monday Tagged With: magnetic and non-magnetic, Montessori, Montessori magnetic and non-magnetic, Montessori Monday, Montessori science

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Antoinette says

    October 28, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    I love Montessori Monday. Thanks for all the great ideas!

    Reply
  2. Jill says

    October 28, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
  3. Jode says

    October 29, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Cherine says

    October 30, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    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.

    Reply
  5. Anna says

    November 1, 2013 at 12:58 pm

    What a great science resource! Thanks for linking up again, Deb.

    Reply
  6. Gaye Truesdell says

    November 1, 2013 at 1:43 pm

    These are awesome activities. I am always looking for fun things to do with our schoolings.

    Gaye T

    Reply
  7. Angelina says

    November 3, 2013 at 8:04 pm

    Love all these ideas! I think I’m gonna have to buy me some magnets soon!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    November 6, 2013 at 6:32 am

    One of these days I will get around to doing this with my kids! Featured you on Mom’s Library this week!

    Reply
  9. Carolyn Hadsell says

    November 19, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    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

    Reply
  10. Clarissa Hooper says

    March 9, 2014 at 8:58 am

    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) 🙂

    Reply

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