Teaching kids about electricity can understandably seem a little intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. While I’m not recommending your child plug anything into wall outlets, there are plenty of simple, safe ways for kids to learn about charged particles and electrical currents. If you’ve ever rubbed a balloon on your head to make your hair stick up, you’ve witnessed electrical attraction.
Magnetism is another concept kids can gain experience with in a fun, hands-on way. Even toddlers can learn to recognize magnetic attraction and repulsion. Conversely, it is probably not obvious to most people that electricity and magnetism are connected. Electrical currents create magnetic fields. Magnetic fields induce electrical currents. I’m not planning to introduce my kids to Maxwell’s equations anytime soon, but it’s never too early for them to start observing, thinking about, and understanding the world around them.
Here are the physics projects related to electricity and/or magnetism on this site so far:
If your child would like to learn more about electricity and magnetism, you might also be interested in some of the recommended products below. Click each picture for my full, detailed review:
Snap Circuits SC-750R by Snap Circuits (Elenco) ($20-$125)
Click here for more Physics activities for kids.
Related Links
Mechanics Activities for Kids
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Michelle has a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's Degree from the California Institute of Technology. 