The Best Magnets & Magnetism Kits

Buying Guide

The best kinds of toys combine play and education through hands-on learning. Electricity and magnetism experiment kits are a shining example of this.

In case you don’t remember this from school, electricity and magnetism are related. Both are manifestations of electromagnetic force, a physical interaction that occurs between charged particles and can attract or repel them. Electromagnetism occurs in almost every part of our daily lives; so much so that the only other concept that holds this kind of importance in terms of understanding basic physics is gravity. Kids who understand electromagnetic forces at a young age are better poised to succeed in school.

Electromagnetism experiment kits are particularly good for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning, a major trend in education. STEM fields of study are considered to be important for students to learn academic concepts, real-world applications and critical thinking skills. The interdisciplinary approach of STEM is meant to connect learners with communities while focusing on students’ social, emotional, and physical needs.

It really is the wave of the future, and starting out with these experiments can provide kids with strong STEM foundations. For something on the lighter side, you can buy kits that let children create their own magnets for your refrigerator.

Electromagnetism kits are made for different age groups and range from beginner to intermediate to expert. Choose one designed for your child’s age and supervise if needed. Younger kids can perform simple experiments that help them discover what kinds of materials are magnetic and how compasses work. Older children can experiment with circuits, currents and magnetic fields and make things like working loudspeakers.

Look for magnetism kits that include easy-to-follow instruction manuals, and offer to help your kids if they ask. Otherwise, let them figure things out for themselves because that is part of the learning process.

• These kits make great gifts for all students. Not everyone is STEM-oriented, and this kind of hands-on learning can help many kids make better sense of important concepts.
• Some of these kits have small parts, so do not buy them for children under age three.
• Look for kits that include games, which makes learning even more fun.
• If you’re not sure if your child is into electromagnetism, just buy a smaller, more economical kit. You can always get a bigger one next time, if it turns out that they are interested in this type of science.