Science Experiments
Magnetic Paperclip Maze Challenge
Design and build a cardboard maze with 10 construction paper walls, and successfully guide a metal paperclip character from the start to the finish line using a bar magnet held underneath the board.
Ready right now 30 min Ages 4–7 years 1–2 players Indoor
Fine motor controlSpatial reasoningProblem solving
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Learning benefits
- 💡 Explains how magnetic fields penetrate solid surfaces.
- 💡 Develops precise hand-eye coordination.
- 💡 Teaches patience through iterative trial and error.
Safety notes
- ⚠️ Ensure magnet is kept away from electronics or credit cards.
- ⚠️ Supervise small children to prevent swallowing of paperclips.
Cleanup
- 🧹 Back the paperclips into a storage container.
- 🧹 Recycle the lid or store the maze for later.
- 🧹 Wash excess glue off hands.