Science isn't my strong suit. As a result, I often struggle to come up with unique and fun science ideas for my kids. But, I think I may have surprised myself with this simple car themed science invitation.
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I mentioned a trip to my local teacher store the other day, where I found some awesome magnetic transparency counters and magnet wands. As the boys were trying the counters out on the light table, three were lined up like a traffic light (you know...red, yellow, and green). Then I thought that it would be fun to set up a car themed tray to explore what is and isn't magnetic with the boys. They both enjoyed this science invitation, but toddler K was particularly enthusiastic about it.
To set up this tray, I used the following:
- Magnetic transparency counters in red, yellow, and green - You could substitute some of my DIY version counters.
- Transparent counters (non-magnetic) in red, yellow, and green
- Magnet wands
- Various small cars
- Cars from Melissa & Doug Magnetic Towing Game
- 4 milk jug lids - I drew rims on with a permanent marker.
- 4 round magnets from the dollar store - I also drew rims on with a permanent marker.
- Craft stick roads - I used the magnet ones from this busy bag and the non-magnetic ones from this busy bag.
J was drawn towards the magnetic cars and made up a little game of his own. He would line up a couple of cars and then ask, "Where's the two?" Then he would pick up the correct car with the magnet wand. Every so often, K would pipe in, "There's the two. Right there!"
K, on the other hand, was very thorough in checking out this tray. He lined up all of the wheels (both the magnetic and non-magnetic varieties). He then tried to pick up each one using the magnet wand. It was cute to see him discover that the milk jug lids were not magnetic. K kept trying over and over to pick one up.
After the disappointing milk jug lid wheels, K tried the magnet wheels. He was so delighted to see those work!
K also spent a lot of time with the transparent counters. You can see below that he wanted the magnet wand to pick up all of the transparent counters, even the non-magnetic ones. He sure tried to make it stick!
What a simple tray this was to set up, but boy, did it keep them entertained!
Looking for more car themed play? There's plenty on my blog including:
