Magnet Sensory Bin - Preschool STEM Activity

Create a captivating magnet sensory bin to introduce children to basic STEM concepts, This hands-on activity encourages exploration of magnetic properties through interactive and playful learning.

Close up view of a magenta magnetic wand with regular and jumbo paper clips stuck to it over a table of colorful rice magnet sensory bin for an easy STEM activity

Sensory play meets Science with a magnet sensory bin

There are some things I know with absolute, complete certainty.

Something I’m 100000% sure of: kids 👏🏼 love 👏🏼 magnets. 👏🏼

They LOVE ‘em.

And honestly, what’s not to love, especially when you’re a kid? You’re holding a magnet wand in one hand, a paperclip in the other, and without even trying, they “stick” together. It’s mysterious, dramatic, right-before-your-eyes and it’s always a winner with kids.

🧲 Check out these other STEM faves:

Several types of magnets (magnet wands, U-shaped magnet, magnet marbles, magnet chips, and paperclips) lay in a red tub of colorful rice magnet sensory bin.

Materials

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Dyed rice – or other sensory bin base such as beans, pasta, pom poms, etc.
Magnetic materials – we love this introductory set and this bigger magnet set
Magnetic materials you already have on hand – ex: paperclips, pipe cleaners, nuts and bolts, ball jar lids
Shallow container

How to make a magnet sensory bin

First, add your rice and magnetic toys to a shallow tray.

Next, invite your child to walk around your home or classroom and gather all the magnetic items they can find.

Play with the materials and explore the marvelous world of magnets.

💡 Teacher Tip: Magnets + sensory fillers should only be done with children who can safely use the materials.

A close up of this easy STEM activity is of a jumbo, blue U-shaped magnet with smaller magnets attached held over a magnet sensory bin.

What is STEM and why is it important for kids?

STEM is a big buzzword in education and includes so much goodness.

The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

STEM incorporates critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and preparation for skills needed in the 21st century. Careers known as “STEM careers” include scientists, engineers, software developers, astronauts, architects, computer programmers, and more!

Not only is it critical to incorporate STEM in the home and classroom because the skills for many fields rely on STEM concepts, but also because it is FUN.

A green magnet wand is suspended over the magnetic sensory table with four jumbo magnet marbles attached.

What kids are learning from this magnetic sensory bin

Something as simple as magnets in rice incorporates:

Science – observing (and feeling) how opposite poles are attracted to one another, making predictions
Engineering – building and connecting magnets to create structures, exploring weight and balance
Math – counting magnets, comparing shapes, comparing & contrasting

Three side-by-side photos of a yellow magnet wand with an increasing number of magnet chips attached held over the magnet sensory bin.

Introducing materials for the magnet sensory bin

You certainly don’t need to buy expensive materials to make a magnetic table, and instead, you can use found materials gathered from around your environment. However, if you want to invest in magnet toys, magnet wands and magnet chips are where I would start!

Why?

Neither is very expensive and they are entertaining for hours. Magnet wands feel like magic wands and they’re a fun item for kids to hold and use. Magnet chips are small plastic circles with a thin piece of wire around the perimeter, making them lightweight, pretty, and full of possibilities.

We love to toss the magnet chips into a sensory table base and provide kids with magnet wands. Then, as the kids run their magnet wands in and around the sensory table, the magnet chips attach to the wand right before your eyes.

Once the wand is fully covered, remove the chips, mix them back into your base, and repeat!

Rise, wash, repeat – magnet style.

A zoomed in shot of a yellow magnet wand with many colorful magnet chips attached for this easy STEM activity, held over the magnet sensory bin.

Magnetic sensory bin = awesome, easy STEM activity

Once your child understands how the magnets work, invite them to predict what items are magnetic around your home or classroom. If you have magnet wands, this is a fun opportunity for the kids to walk around with the wand and to test items they pass by.

As a general rule of thumb, if it’s a STEM activity for kids, I’ve got to try it, especially if it has magnets.

Yay for making science accessible and exciting for kids of all ages!

Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this activity best for?

This magnet sensory bin is perfect for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children. Always supervise young children to ensure safe use of small magnetic objects.

What are some fun variations of this activity?

Try changing the base material in the bin! Swap dried beans for kinetic sand, colored rice, or water beads to add a new sensory experience. You can also create a “magnet hunt” by hiding metal objects under a layer of sensory materials.

What should I do if my child tries to put magnets in their mouth?

Always supervise children during play, and if they are prone to mouthing objects, opt for larger, toddler-safe magnets that cannot be swallowed or do not use magnets with your child until they are ready.