School’s back, and with the new school year comes the big challenge for teachers – how to satisfy the curiosity of those bright young minds? Magnets of all shapes and sizes are some of the most effective teaching devices, and while they may not be the most glamourous, when it comes to creating lessons that grab attention, they work every time.
Magnets aren’t just for science experiments or sticking papers to a refrigerator—they can be powerful tools in the classroom. From organising supplies to creating hands-on lessons, magnets offer endless opportunities to spark that curiosity, keep your teaching space tidy and help students stay engaged. There are so many fun and practical ways educators can incorporate magnets into the classroom, from science and maths experiments to organising language and art lessons.
Magnets open the door to countless possibilities in the classroom. Here are some innovative ways to take your lessons to the next level:
Magnetic Storyboards: Use a magnetic board to build a story. Students can arrange magnetic characters, settings, and objects to create and share their narratives.
STEM Challenges: Encourage problem-solving by giving students magnets and other materials to build bridges, towers, or even simple magnetic-powered vehicles.
Geography Lessons: Use a magnetic world map and magnets to teach geography. Students can place magnets to mark countries, capitals, or natural resources.
Magnets And Science
Magnets naturally lend themselves to teaching science. One of the most memorable scientific lessons is exploring magnetic fields. Use bar magnets, iron filings and paper to demonstrate how magnetic fields work. Let students experiment by placing the magnets in different positions to see how the field changes.
An easy way to demonstrate magnetic and non-magnetic materials is to create a scavenger hunt where students test objects around the classroom to determine if they are magnetic or non-magnetic.
Introduce students to electromagnetism by building simple electromagnets using batteries, copper wire and iron nails. Using these simple experiments is a memorable way to connect science lessons to real-world applications like
Magnets can bring maths to life by making abstract concepts tangible. Use magnetic numbers and shapes for hands-on addition, subtraction, multiplication and geometry activities. Students can physically manipulate the pieces to solve problems.
Create a magnetic bar graph or chart on a whiteboard. Students can use magnetic bars to represent data, making the concept of graphing more interactive.
Language and Arts
Magnets can also be an engaging way to teach language and arts. Magnetic letters encourage younger students to spell using magnetic letters on a board. This tactile activity reinforces phonics and spelling skills.
Use magnetic word strips or cards to help students practice sentence structure, grammar and vocabulary. Rearranging the magnets adds an element of play.
You can get really creative with magnets in art projects, such as magnetic painting. Use small magnets and magnetic paint to create interactive artwork, where students can attach and rearrange magnetic elements to build dynamic, changeable pieces.
3D Sculptures can also be created with magnets, using magnetic building sets to create sculptures or models. This activity also doubles as an excellent STEM lesson.
Classroom Organisation
Magnets are the perfect solution for keeping teaching materials and classroom clutter organised.
Use magnetic labels on metal shelves, filing cabinets or whiteboards to categorise books, supplies, or papers. You can even get customisable, rewritable magnetic labels to adapt to the frequent changes in what and how you organise your teaching materials.
Magnetic strips or boards can be installed on classroom walls to hold markers, scissors or other small tools with magnetic backing, keeping frequently used items accessible and off cluttered desks.
Use a magnetic whiteboard to create a homework station or notice board where you can attach homework assignments, permission slips or important reminders using magnetic clips.
Small magnetic bins can stick to metal surfaces like filing cabinets or desks – perfect for storing paperclips, erasers or craft supplies.
Keeping Students Focused with Magnetic Tools
Magnets aren’t just great for lessons and organisation—they can also help students stay focused and engaged:
Fidget magnets are small magnetic or stress-relief tools for students who need help staying calm or focused during lessons. Use magnets to create interactive games, like magnetic puzzles or matching activities, to keep students engaged during downtime.
Create a magnetic reward chart. Students can move a magnet up a ladder or onto a goal board as they exhibit positive behaviour or complete tasks.
