Magnet Maze Madness: Discover the Invisible Force That Moves Metal

Magnetism Experiment For Class 5

Curiosity Questions

• Why do some objects stick to magnets while others don’t?

• Can a magnet move an object without touching it?

• How can we use invisible magnetic force to create fun activities or solve problems?

STEM Challenge Introduction

Today’s STEM challenge dives into the invisible yet fascinating world of magnetism. You’ll be a young scientist testing what materials magnets can attract and you’ll also become an engineer by creating a magnetic maze! Using a hidden magnet under a cardboard surface, you’ll guide a paper clip through a path without touching it. This exciting challenge helps you understand magnetic force, materials, and movement in a hands-on way.

Materials Required

Magnetic Attraction Test:

• 1 bar magnet (or any strong magnet).

• 1 metal coin (like a 1 or 2 rupee coin).

• 1 iron nail (or safety pin).

• 1 plastic spoon.

• 1 piece of paper.

• 1 rubber band.

• Tray or table surface.

Magnetic Maze:

• 1 sheet of thick cardboard or recycled cereal box (approx. A4 size).

• 1 paper clip.

• 1 magnet.

• Pencil or marker.

• Color pens (optional for design).

• Scissors.

• Glue.

• Small paper strips to create maze walls.

Eco-friendly Tips:

• Use recycled cardboard for the maze.

• Reuse magnets from old fridge magnets or toys.

• Replace paper strips with scrap paper from old notebooks.

Safety Precautions

• Use child-safe scissors under adult supervision.

• Keep magnets away from electronic devices.

• Do not put magnets in the mouth.

• Avoid using very strong neodymium magnets without adult supervision.

Step-by-Step Process

Part 1: Magnetic Attraction Test

1. Place all the test objects on a tray or table.

2. Bring the magnet close to each object, one by one.

3. Observe which items the magnet attracts and which it does not.

4. Sort the items into two groups: Magnetic and Non-Magnetic.

Part 2: Create Your Magnetic Maze

1. Draw a simple maze path on a piece of cardboard using a pencil.

2. Glue paper strips along the edges of the path to form walls. Let dry.

3. Place a paper clip at the starting point of the maze (on top of the cardboard).

4. Hold the magnet under the cardboard, directly beneath the paper clip.

5. Slowly move the magnet, guiding the paper clip through the maze without touching it.

6. Try timing yourself to complete the maze faster!

Expected Outcome

Students will notice that the magnet attracts only certain objects mainly those made of iron or steel (like the nail or safety pin). The coin may or may not be magnetic depending on its metal content. In the maze, students will be able to move the paper clip along the maze using the magnet hidden below the cardboard, without touching it directly.

Observation

• Which materials were magnetic? What do they have in common?

• Was the paper clip easy or hard to control through the maze? Why?

• What happened when you tried to move the magnet quickly or far from the maze?

STEM Concepts Behind It

Science: Magnets produce an invisible force called a magnetic field, which can attract certain materials (usually metals like iron, nickel, or cobalt).
Engineering: Creating a working maze requires problem-solving, design, and fine motor control.
Technology: Magnetic sensors are used in everyday devices like phones and compasses.
Math: Measuring maze path length or timing your run connects this activity to basic data collection and time-based analysis.

Concept Elaboration

This experiment links multiple areas of STEM. The magnetic attraction test introduces materials science why some metals respond to magnets and others don’t. The maze task uses engineering design and force concepts. Moving the magnet under the maze teaches spatial awareness and invisible force dynamics similar to how magnetic levitation trains work or how robots use magnets to lift and move objects in factories.

Real-Life Applications

• Magnetic locks in doors

• MRI scanners in hospitals

• Maglev trains that float above tracks using strong magnets

• Metal detectors at airports

• Electric motors in fans and mixers
  These technologies all rely on understanding magnetic fields and attraction.

Your STEM Challenge

Design a two-level maze one on top of another! The first level could be wide and open, the second more complex. Or create a magnetic racing game: compete with a friend to guide two paper clips through two mazes at the same time. You can also experiment with different objects (a washer, key, aluminum foil ball) to see if they can be controlled magnetically.

Think Further & Explore More

• What would happen if you used two magnets under the maze? Could they push or pull each other?

• How do animals like birds and turtles use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation?

• Can you build a magnetic sorting machine to separate magnetic from non-magnetic waste?

Explore these questions to discover how magnetism powers the world in ways we often don’t see but can learn to harness.

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