Play recipe
Scientific discovery builds curiosity and classification skills.
Use large magnets only. Small magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed.
A few large magnets and a mixed pile of kitchen bits (spoon, bottle cap, cork, coin, plastic lid) turns into a stick / doesn't-stick sort without a worksheet. Kids test, fail, test again. That is the experiment.
Only use magnets too big to swallow. Small neodymium magnets are a medical emergency if two get inside a child. Fridge magnets with a wide plastic back, or a magnetic wand from a toy set, are the right scale.
Sorting stick / doesn't-stick is early classification, and testing a prediction is the start of scientific thinking.
You'll need: Paper cube or dice, Markers
You'll need: Music (phone or speaker), Clear floor space
You'll need: Aluminum foil, Scissors (adult use)
You'll need: Clear floor space
You'll need: Magnifying glass (optional), Container for temporary observation, Nature area
You'll need: Blanket to lie on, Sunglasses (optional)
Read
Guide
Simple science experiments for toddlers using household items. Six hands-on activities that teach cause and effect, sinking and floating, magnets, and mixing, no kit required.
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