Science can be a fun subject for kids, especially when learning includes exciting experiments where the magic of scientific principles comes to life. In this article, I’ll detail a very cool experiment that is simple, inexpensive and teaches your child all about the wonders of magnetism.
When I was a young girl, my parents would put together a science experiment every week for us to do together – yes, even during holiday breaks. Honestly, the science experiments were so much fun, I actually looked forward to them!
One of my all time favorites was the magnetic kissing birds. I thought the birds were adorable, and understanding the concept of the Earth’s magnetism has served me well over the years as an avid hiker and mountain climber.
So what tools and materials will you need for the magnetic kissing birds?
Tools and Materials:
Heavy paper or cardstock (preferably white so that your child can color it)
Scissors
A knife
Crayons, markers or colored pencils
2 pins (I use sewing needles or hemming pins)
A magnet
2 small pieces of cork
A shallow dish of water (I use a ceramic cereal bowl)
Water
*** Please note that this project requires close supervision because of the pins and knife involved in the construction of the birds.
Step 1: Fold your paper or cardstock in half, and cut out two birds. The goal will be to have 4 birds that you can glue together, giving you two double-sided birds. Make sure to leave a tab at the bottom of the birds – these tabs will be slipped into slots in the cork during step 3. Glue the paper birds together, and have your child color the birds.
Step 2: Magnetize each pin or needle by rubbing one end repeatedly against a magnet.
Step 3: Push a now magnetized pin in between one of the birds so that the pin is firmly nestled between the glued bird halves. Repeat this for the second bird. If you are working with a young child, it is best to do this step for him or her to avoid any injury from the sharp pins.
Step 4: Using a knife, carefully carve a slot into each of the 2 cork pieces. You will most likely want to do this step for your child. Take a bird, and slip the tab into the newly carved slot in the cork. Repeat this for the second bird.
Step 5: Fill a dish with water, and place the dish on a flat surface. Now place the cork bottomed birds in the water, and watch them dance, swim, and even kiss. It is too cute to watch!
So why does this work?
The birds move because of the earth’s magnetic force, the attraction of magnetic opposite poles, and the repelling force of like magnetic poles. As the birds move in the water, they are moving along invisible magnetic field lines. When the birds line themselves up, they are lining up their beaks or tails in a north-south direction because of the magnetized pins. In other words, you and your child just made a compass!
To guarantee a birdie kiss, make sure to line up the opposite magnetic poles in their beaks so the two beaks are attracted to one another. Have fun!