
A parent should reach for this book when their child is brimming with 'how' and 'why' questions and needs a hands-on, screen-free outlet for their curiosity. "Science with Magnets" is a classic Usborne activity book that demystifies the principles of magnetism through simple, engaging, and safe experiments that can be done at home with everyday objects. It taps into a child's natural wonder, building their self-confidence as they successfully make objects move, float, and point north. This book is an excellent choice for elementary-aged children (7-11) who learn by doing, turning a quiet afternoon into a fun-filled scientific adventure.
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A 7 to 10-year-old kinesthetic learner who loves to tinker, build, and see cause-and-effect in action. This book is perfect for the child who is starting to get interested in STEM subjects but might be intimidated by dense textbooks. It frames science as play and discovery.
The book can be used cold, but a parent might want to gather the simple supplies for a few experiments ahead of time (magnets, paper clips, string, a bowl, cork, etc.). It's also wise to review the brief introduction with the child, which explains basic magnet safety, like keeping them away from electronic screens and bank cards. The parent sees their child playing with refrigerator magnets and asking how they stick, or hears the classic phrase, "I'm bored," on a rainy day. This is a perfect response to a child showing nascent interest in physics or engineering.
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Sign in to write a reviewA younger child (7-8) will delight in the “magic” of the experiments and will likely need adult help to follow the instructions. Their takeaway is one of wonder and fun. An older child (9-11) can follow the steps independently, will better grasp the scientific principles behind the fun, and may even be inspired to design their own variations on the experiments.
Compared to modern, glossy STEM activity books, this book's strength lies in its classic, simple, and clear Usborne style. The charming 1990s illustrations and direct, uncluttered instructions make the science feel incredibly accessible. It avoids overwhelming jargon and focuses purely on foundational, hands-on activities that reliably work, making it a timeless and effective introduction to scientific exploration.
This is a nonfiction, hands-on activity book. It begins by introducing the basic concepts of magnetism, including attraction, repulsion, and magnetic poles. The book then guides the reader through a series of illustrated, step-by-step experiments using magnets and common household items. Activities include testing which materials are magnetic, creating magnet-powered boats and race cars, and building a simple floating compass.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.