Magnets are a great activity, because they are fun to play with, but also act as learning projects too. There are tons of fun ways to play and experiment with magnets. However, many magnet toys can be pricey. Here is a quick way to make a magnet activity form upcycled items you may otherwise have thrown away.

 

 

Supplies:

  • Empty bottle/jar (I used a plastic Snapple bottle, because it is lightweight, but durable)
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Scissors
  • Magnets (I got these at the Dollar Store)
  • Thin magnet sheet (This can be the excess from pop-out magnet activities or freebie magnets from takeout places/events)
1. Cut the magnet sheet into pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better it will work.

 

2. Fill the bottle/jar with the magnet pieces and hot glue the top of the jar onto the bottle to prevent any curious youngsters from creative a big mess.

 

3. Hold the large magnets to the jar and watch the small magnet pieces move around. You can also include other magnetic and non-magnetic items in the jar to teach what makes something magnetic.

OPTIONAL: Magnet Case

 

 

To make an attached magnet case for your jar, you will need the following:

 

 

Supplies:

  • Scrap fabric
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Scissors
  • Magnet jar and magnets
  • Optional: twist tie and button
1. Place the magnets in the center of the cloth.

 

2. Fold the bottom and one side of the fabric over the magnets, securing with hot glue.

 

3. Fold over the other side and secure with hot glue.

 

4. Trim the top and fold down to act as the cover to your case.

 

You can secure the cover using a twist tie and a broken button.

 

5. Cut the twist tie in half.

 

6. Thread one half of the twist tie through the holes of the button. You can use hot glue to make sure it stays in place if needed.

 

7. Cut a hole in the top center of the case for the button.

 

8. Insert the ends of the twist tie through the hole and use hot glue to attach. Keep the button on the outside of the case.

 

9. Line up the top of the case with the button and cut a small hole big enough for the button to slide into.

 

 

10. Glue the case to the jar. You can even strategically place it so that it covers any sticky residue from the sticker on the label. You can also cover any stickiness with decorative paper or stickers.