Magnet painting is science and art wrapped up in a colorful package. And it’s a super simple set-up project too. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) at it’s easiest :) This post contains affiliate links.
Magnet Painting Supplies Needed
For this project you’ll need a few items that you can easily pick up online or ask around the school to see if anyone has some magent wands you can borrow.
- Magnet wand {affiliate}
- Various metal items like ball bearings, springs & screws
- Various non-metal items like marbles
- Paper
- Plastic tray or box (I used an old 9″ x 13″ food container)
- Tempera paint
- Cups or palette to dip the metal pieces in
- Spoons to get the painted covered pieces into the tray
Magnet Painting How To
To begin painting, pour your paint into something deep enough to drop your metal pieces into. I have this awesome cup palette {affiliate} but an egg carton works well too. Then cut your paper to fit your tray and place a piece inside. Now it’s time to paint! Dip a metal piece in paint and drop it into the tray. Then take the magnet wand and move it around under the plastic tray as this keeps the metal pieces rolling smoothly.
See Magnet Painting in Action
We love this project so much that we whipped up a video for it!
Time for Experimentation
One of the best parts of this project is that kids can learn a little science while painting. You can use all metal pieces or you can throw in some things that the magnet can’t move like glass marbles. Even the all the metal pieces moved differently. Some were too heavy and some like the metal bead chain stopped moving when they got covered in paint. Our favorite were the springs because they rolled around and left cool stripes.
More Five Minute Crafts
Looking for more fun and easy ways to get creative with your kids? Check out all of Left Brain Craft Brain’s Five Minute Crafts. Or for more spring play try 10 Ways to Play and Learn with Springs.
Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math Fun for Kids
Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that you can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Explorers!! The coolest new creative experience for kids is here! Think digital magazine meets online project portal in a safe, kid-friendly environment. (No more worrying about what might be hidden in that YouTube vid!) All engineer, teacher, and mom approved. And most definitely KID APPROVED!
What’s included?
- Monthly digital magazine with cool themes that's fun to read
- Hands-on, exciting projects the kids will love.
- Science, tech, engineering, art, and math learning YOU’LL love.
- Delicious recipes the kids can make.
- Fun printables and games
- Entertaining videos
All packed up in an easy to do package, ready for kids ages 5-12 to have fun.
Painting Challenge
This magnet painting project was a part of an awesome painting series hosted by Messy Little Monster. It has 31 days of different painting techniques perfect for inspiring creativity in your kids.
What a fun idea. It looks like you had a great time and I love the effect.
Thank you great idea ..i do marble painting my children love it ….great extention
I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by.
Such a fun idea! You could also add a writing component by having little ones use tweezers to get the objects out of the paint instead of the spoon. I will have to do this activity with my storytime friends soon!
Hello,
that’s pretty cool, my kids love everything which includes magnets and paint, both combined is just perfect.
Regards,
Christine