Mixing science with art is fun! Mix it up in art class and try painting with magnets.
Warning: Magnets can be dangerous. A responsible adult MUST supervise this activity. Magnets can be harmful when ingested. If a child ingests a magnet, seek medical help immediately. Never allow children to use magnets without appropriate adult supervision.
Painting with magnets is a fun kids art activity. It’s a bit of science, a bit of art and a whole lot of fun. As regular readers of this blog (Hi!) know, we love to explore with magnets around here. For kids who might need a change of pace from the same-old same-old, this art project might be just the thing they need to spark their creativity.
What you need:
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- Tray
- Paper
- Paint (we like washable paint
)
- Small bowls for paint
- Spoons (optional)
- Metal objects such as washers, bolts, hinges
- Magnets (super-strong magnets work best, we used large magnets we found at the hardware store) REMEMBER: Magnets are dangerous if ingested. Exercise caution and supervision children responsibly. This activity is not recommended for children who still put objects in their mouths.
Easy Instructions:
Place paper on tray.
Place paint in bowls and drop in metal objects. Using spoon or fingers, coat with paint and place on the tray.
Holding the magnet underneath the tray glide the metal objects across the paper. Kids will have fun creating designs and exploring how the moving objects paint the paper. The fun of extra-strong magnets is that often hardware will group together. Let kids experiment with using the different objects.
We tried a variation by taping the paper to a piece of cardboard instead of a tray, producing a textured effect.
When he had finished with the magnets, Kiddo decided he wanted to do a little brush painting. That’s good too.
Don’t let those magnets sit idle, though! You can re-use them in our magnetic version of I-spy jar, for magnetic building construction set or for a little free play.
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Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
What a fun way to explore magnets! This will be a great addition to my Art + Science Collide Pinterest board.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Oh, I didn’t know you had a art and science pin board. I’m going to check that out!