Magnetic Sand Science Exploration

Fine sand

Iron filings (available at craft or educational supply stores)

A shallow clear plastic container

A strong magnet (neodymium magnets work best)

Pour a thin layer of sand into a shallow clear container.

Sprinkle iron filings into the sand and mix lightly.

Hand your child a strong magnet and show them how to hold it under the container.

Watch the iron filings rise into spiky formations — your child's face will light up.

Drag the magnet slowly across the bottom and watch the filings chase it.

Let your child experiment: fast vs. slow movement, top vs. bottom placement, two magnets at once.

Ask: "Why does the sand move? What happens if you flip the magnet over?"

Keep the magnet below the container or outside of it — iron filings are extremely hard to remove from a magnet once they stick directly.

This is real magnetism science. The spiky patterns are called magnetic field lines.

Iron filings can stain and are not safe to eat. Supervise closely and keep the container sealed.

For a mess-free version, seal the sand and filings inside the container with a lid taped shut.

Try drawing shapes by moving the magnet slowly — your child can write their name in iron spikes.