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Children love to explore magnets, and setting up this magnetic science tuff tray is an easy way to offer a variety of magnets and accessories for them to investigate. The tray allows little learners to get in on a low-maintenance, hands-on, intriguing science activity.
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Supplies To Collect
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Look for magnets of all kinds and in all places when setting up a magnet-themed tuff tray. Here’s what’s in my tray:
- number and shape magnets
- magnetic alphabet letter tiles
- ball magnets
- square magnets
- horseshoe magnets
- wand magnets
- fridge magnets
- magnetic tic tac toe game pieces
- stick and ball magnet toy
- magnetic gears
- metal hearts
- recycled juice can lids
- baskets
- round cake pan
- cookie pans
- easel display stands
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The Magnetic Science Tuff Tray
This magnetic tuff tray is filled with different kinds of magnets for early learners to explore. Aside from magnets purchased from learning supply stores, it includes unexpected items such as game pieces and fridge magnets.
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The number and shape magnets were borrowed from a game. They provide opportunities for counting and number and shape recognition.
The magnetic alphabet letter tiles give young children a chance to name letters, say letter sounds, and spell names and other words.
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Little learners love spinning objects, which makes the magnetic gears an excellent fit.
Cookie pans set in art stands allow for vertical surfaces to work on.
Introducing magnets such as horseshoe and bar magnets on different days encourages continued interest in the center.
It is a good idea to check local dollar stores for supplies to add. My fridge magnets and magnetic tic tac toe pieces were purchased at dollar stores.
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After early learners have had a chance to explore the tray, it will likely look something like the one below.
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Many of the supplies for this magnetic science tuff tray are arranged in baskets. It is a terrific sorting and classifying activity to have the little learners arrange supplies back into the storage containers when they are finished exploring the tray.
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Magnet Science Tuff Tray Opportunities For Learning
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There are many opportunities for learning in this magnet science tuff tray. Aside from the educational benefits mentioned above, early learners can
- make and test predictions
- develop critical thinking
- learn about magnetic poles
- investigate magnetic strength
- explore balance and weight
- sort items into magnetic and non-magnetic categories
- create unique structures
- enhance fine motor control when handling supplies
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Variations Of This Magnetic Tuff Tray
For additional learning through play with magnets, fill a storage bin with a base such as rice, beans, or chickpeas and add magnetic accessories. Hiding items in the sensory base makes for an exciting search-and-find activity.
And you can include non-magnetic items for further exploration.
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Don’t forget to share this post on Pinterest or your favorite social media channel. Sharing is caring!
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© Annette Kaminsky June 10, 2023
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