Electromagnet Experiment for Kids: Discover How Electricity and Magnetism Work

Electricity and magnetism may be invisible, but their effects are all around us. They power lights, motors, speakers, generators, household appliances, and many of the technologies children encounter every day.

For young learners, however, these scientific forces can feel abstract. A diagram may explain what happens, but a hands-on electromagnet experiment allows children to observe the result for themselves: electricity flows through a copper coil, a magnetic field appears, and nearby metal objects begin to move.

This direct connection between action and result is what makes hands-on STEM learning so valuable. Instead of simply memorising scientific terms, children can ask questions, make predictions, test ideas, and examine what changes during an experiment.

In this guide, we will explore how electricity and magnetism are connected, how an electromagnet works, and how a generator can transform movement into electrical energy. We will also examine simple science activities that can help children understand these concepts through observation and experimentation.

These activities can support home learning, homeschool lessons, classroom demonstrations, STEM clubs, and introductory science projects. They are especially useful for children who learn best by building, testing, and discovering how things work.

By the end of this article, children and adults will have a clearer understanding of:

• What electricity is and how it moves through a circuit
• What creates a magnetic field
• How electrical current can produce magnetism
• How an electromagnet attracts certain metal objects
• How mechanical movement can be converted into electrical energy
• How practical STEM experiments develop scientific thinking

To understand how electromagnets and generators work, we first need to examine the form of energy that makes both experiments possible: electricity.

What Is Electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy associated with the movement of tiny charged particles. Although children cannot usually see electricity itself, they can observe what it does when it powers a light, moves a motor, creates heat, or activates a magnetic effect.

In a simple electrical circuit, energy travels through a continuous path. This path may include a power source, connecting wires, and a component that uses the energy. When the circuit is complete, electrical current can flow. When the path is interrupted, the current stops.

A useful way to explain this to children is to compare a circuit to a closed track. The power source provides the energy, the wires create the route, and the connected component responds when the path is complete.

The Main Parts of a Simple Circuit

• Power source: supplies electrical energy, such as a battery or a small generator
• Conductors: carry the electrical current, usually through metal wires
• Load: uses the electrical energy, such as a light, motor, buzzer, or coil
• Closed path: allows current to travel through the complete circuit

This is why correct connections matter during a STEM experiment. If a wire is loose or the circuit is incomplete, the expected result may not appear. That does not necessarily mean the experiment has failed. It creates an opportunity to inspect the setup, test each connection, and identify the cause.

Electricity Can Come from Different Sources

Batteries store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy. Generators work differently: they convert mechanical movement into electrical energy. Turning a wheel or crank can create enough electricity to power a small light or demonstrate how energy changes from one form into another.

This makes a hand-powered generator especially useful for young learners. Children do not simply press a button and watch something happen. They provide the movement themselves and can directly connect their action with the electrical result.

Electricity also plays an essential role in an electromagnet experiment. When current flows through a copper wire coil, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. If the current stops, the magnetic effect also stops.

Before exploring how electricity can create magnetism, it helps to understand the invisible force that attracts and repels certain materials: magnetism.

What Is Magnetism?

Magnetism is one of nature's invisible forces. Although we cannot see a magnetic field, we can clearly observe its effects when certain metal objects are attracted or repelled by a magnet.

Children often encounter magnets long before they understand the science behind them. Refrigerator magnets, magnetic toys, speakers, electric motors, and even compasses all rely on magnetic forces. These everyday examples provide an excellent starting point for learning how magnetism works.

One of the most exciting discoveries for young scientists is realizing that a magnetic force can act without objects touching each other. A paper clip can suddenly move toward a magnet, making an invisible force feel surprisingly real.

How Magnets Attract Metal Objects

Not every material responds to a magnet. Magnets mainly attract ferromagnetic metals, such as iron and steel. Materials like wood, plastic, paper, glass, and most other metals are not attracted in the same way.

This simple observation encourages children to ask scientific questions and make predictions:

• Which objects will a magnet attract?
• Why do some materials move while others stay still?
• Does the size of an object affect the magnetic force?
• How far away can a magnet still attract an object?

These questions naturally develop observation, logical thinking, and the scientific method through experimentation rather than memorisation.

What Is a Magnetic Field?

Every magnet is surrounded by a magnetic field—an invisible region where magnetic forces can act. Although the field itself cannot be seen directly, its presence becomes obvious when it attracts small metal objects or when iron filings reveal its characteristic pattern.

A useful analogy is to imagine the magnetic field as an invisible bubble surrounding the magnet. Inside this space, magnetic forces are active. Outside it, the effect gradually becomes weaker.

The strength of a magnetic field depends on several factors, including the type of magnet, its size, the distance to the object, and, in some cases, whether electricity is being used to create the magnetic effect.

Why Magnetism Is Important

Magnetism is much more than a classroom experiment. It plays an essential role in countless technologies that children use every day, including electric motors, generators, headphones, doorbells, medical equipment, transportation systems, and renewable energy technologies.

Understanding these basic principles helps children connect simple STEM activities with real engineering applications, making science feel relevant and exciting rather than abstract.

So far, we have explored magnets that naturally produce a magnetic field. But what if a magnet could be switched on and off using electricity? That fascinating idea leads us to one of the most important discoveries in physics: the electromagnet.

How Electromagnets Work

Unlike a regular magnet, an electromagnet only becomes magnetic when electricity flows through it. This simple but remarkable discovery changed science and engineering forever, making it possible to build everything from electric motors to generators, doorbells, loudspeakers, MRI scanners, and high-speed trains.

An electromagnet experiment is one of the best ways for children to understand the relationship between electricity and magnetism because they can observe an invisible scientific principle becoming visible right before their eyes.

How Does an Electromagnet Work?

The concept is surprisingly simple. When electrical current passes through a tightly wound copper wire coil, it creates a magnetic field around the coil. If an iron core is placed inside the coil, the magnetic effect becomes much stronger, allowing the electromagnet to attract nearby metal objects.

The process happens in four easy steps:

1. A battery provides electrical energy.
2. Electric current flows through the copper wire coil.
3. A magnetic field forms around the coil.
4. The electromagnet attracts nearby steel or iron objects.

As soon as the electrical current stops, the magnetic field disappears almost instantly. Unlike a permanent magnet, an electromagnet can therefore be switched on and off whenever electricity is connected or disconnected.

Why Is This Important?

This ability to control magnetism using electricity is one of the foundations of modern technology. Every day, children use devices that rely on this same scientific principle without even realising it.

Electromagnets are found inside:

• Electric motors
• Power generators
• Doorbells
• Relays and electrical switches
• Speakers and headphones
• Magnetic cranes used in recycling plants
• MRI medical scanners
• High-speed transportation systems

Understanding this concept helps children connect a simple classroom experiment with technologies that shape the modern world.

Learning Through Hands-On Discovery

Reading about electromagnets is helpful, but building one makes the concept far easier to understand. When children assemble the circuit themselves and watch small metal washers lift from the table, they immediately connect the theory with a real, observable result.

This type of active learning encourages curiosity, experimentation, and problem-solving. Children naturally begin asking scientific questions such as:

• What happens if I disconnect one wire?
• Why does the magnetic field disappear when the circuit opens?
• Would adding more wire create a stronger magnetic field?
• Why are only certain metals attracted?

These questions transform a simple science activity into genuine scientific investigation.

Try It Yourself

The MagnoLab™ Magnetic Field Experiment Kit was designed specifically to help young learners explore these principles through safe, hands-on experimentation. Instead of simply reading about electromagnetism, children can build the circuit, activate the electromagnet, and observe the magnetic field in action by lifting small metal washers.

Because the experiment produces immediate and visible results, it helps transform an abstract physics lesson into an engaging STEM experience suitable for home learning, homeschool lessons, classroom demonstrations, science clubs, and science fair projects.

Now that we understand how electricity can create magnetism, let's look at the opposite process—how magnetism can help generate electricity, completing one of the most fascinating relationships in physics.

Why Electricity and Magnetism Are Connected

One of the most fascinating discoveries in science is that electricity and magnetism are not separate forces—they are closely connected. In fact, each one can create the other under the right conditions.

In the previous chapter, we discovered that electrical current flowing through a copper coil creates a magnetic field. This is the principle behind an electromagnet. But the opposite is also true: moving a magnetic field near a wire can generate electricity.

This remarkable relationship forms the foundation of modern electrical engineering and powers much of the technology we rely on every day.

From Electricity to Magnetism...

When electricity flows through a wire wrapped into a coil, a magnetic field is created. This simple principle allows an electromagnet to attract metal objects whenever electrical current is present.

This is exactly what children observe during an electromagnet experiment. The electrical energy supplied by the battery temporarily transforms the coil into a working magnet.

...And Back Again

Now imagine reversing the process.

Instead of using electricity to create magnetism, what happens if we move a magnet near a coil of wire?

The answer is extraordinary: the movement of the magnetic field creates electrical current.

This scientific principle is known as electromagnetic induction, and it is how nearly every electrical generator in the world produces electricity—from hydroelectric dams and wind turbines to bicycle dynamos and large power stations.

Why This Matters for STEM Learning

Understanding both directions of this relationship gives children a much deeper appreciation of how the world works.

• Electricity can create magnetism.
• Magnetism can generate electricity.
• Together, these two principles power countless technologies used every day.

Rather than learning isolated scientific facts, children begin to see how different concepts connect into one complete system.

Discover Electricity in Action

After exploring how an electromagnet works, many young scientists naturally ask another question:

"Can I make electricity myself?"

The answer is yes.

The STEM Electricity Generator Kit – Build & Generate Real Power allows children to experience electromagnetic induction firsthand. By turning a hand crank or spinning the wind turbine, they convert mechanical movement into electrical energy and watch a small light illuminate without using household electricity.

This experiment perfectly complements the MagnoLab™ Magnetic Field Experiment Kit. Together, they demonstrate both sides of one of physics' most important relationships, helping children understand not only how electricity creates magnetism, but also how magnetism can generate electricity.

Now that we've explored the science behind these two remarkable forces, let's look at some fun STEM experiments children can safely perform to reinforce these concepts through hands-on discovery.

Fun STEM Experiments to Try at Home

One of the best ways to understand science is through experimentation. Reading about electricity and magnetism builds knowledge, but performing simple STEM experiments helps children transform ideas into real experiences they can observe, question, and understand.

Hands-on activities encourage children to become active learners rather than passive readers. They begin asking questions, making predictions, testing hypotheses, and learning from every result—whether the experiment works exactly as expected or requires a little troubleshooting.

Experiment 1: Build Your Own Electromagnet

An electromagnet experiment is one of the easiest ways to demonstrate the relationship between electricity and magnetism. By allowing electrical current to flow through a copper wire coil, children can create a temporary magnet capable of attracting small metal objects.

During this activity, young scientists can investigate questions such as:

• How many metal washers can the electromagnet lift?
• What happens if the electrical circuit is disconnected?
• Why are only certain metals attracted?
• How does changing the experiment affect the results?

This simple activity introduces essential scientific concepts while encouraging logical thinking, observation, and curiosity.

Experiment 2: Generate Electricity by Hand

After discovering how electricity creates magnetism, children can explore the opposite process by generating electricity through movement.

Using a hand-powered generator, they can observe mechanical energy being transformed into electrical energy simply by turning a crank or spinning a small turbine. Watching a light illuminate without connecting to household electricity creates an exciting moment that makes abstract physics concepts feel real.

Children quickly begin asking new questions:

• Why does turning faster produce more electricity?
• Why does the light switch off when the movement stops?
• How do wind turbines generate electricity?
• Where does the electrical energy actually come from?

These natural questions create opportunities for deeper scientific exploration and help children understand renewable energy in a practical way.

Experiment 3: Compare Electricity and Magnetism

Once children have completed both experiments, they can compare what they have learned.

• How does electricity create a magnetic field?
• How does a magnetic field generate electricity?
• Which experiment was easier to understand?
• Where do these scientific principles appear in everyday life?

Connecting different experiments encourages systems thinking and helps children understand that scientific concepts rarely exist in isolation. Instead, they work together to explain how the world around us functions.

Why Hands-On STEM Activities Work So Well

Research consistently shows that children retain information more effectively when they actively participate in the learning process. Building, testing, observing, and repeating experiments strengthen both scientific understanding and long-term memory.

Hands-on STEM learning also develops valuable life skills beyond science itself, including patience, creativity, resilience, critical thinking, and confidence when solving unfamiliar problems.

Whether used at home, in a homeschool environment, during STEM club activities, or in the classroom, simple science experiments provide meaningful opportunities for children to develop curiosity while having fun.

Beyond scientific knowledge, these activities also help children build a wide range of practical skills that support learning across many different subjects. Let's explore those skills next.

Skills Kids Develop Through STEM Experiments

One of the greatest benefits of STEM education is that children gain much more than scientific knowledge. Every experiment encourages them to observe carefully, think critically, solve problems, and develop confidence by discovering solutions on their own.

Whether children are building an electromagnet or generating electricity by hand, they are strengthening skills that will support learning across many subjects—not just science.

Critical Thinking

Every STEM experiment invites children to ask questions and search for answers. Instead of simply following instructions, they begin to analyse what is happening, identify patterns, and explain why certain results occur.

This habit of questioning develops logical reasoning and independent thinking that can be applied throughout school and everyday life.

Problem-Solving

Experiments do not always work perfectly on the first attempt—and that is part of the learning process. Children learn to inspect connections, identify mistakes, test new ideas, and improve their results through persistence rather than frustration.

This trial-and-error approach builds resilience while teaching that mistakes are valuable opportunities to learn.

Observation and Scientific Reasoning

Good scientists pay attention to details. STEM activities encourage children to observe carefully, compare results, and explain what they see using evidence instead of guesses.

These habits naturally introduce the scientific method without making it feel like a formal lesson.

Creativity and Curiosity

Science begins with curiosity. Every successful experiment leads to new questions:

• What happens if I change one variable?
• Can I make the electromagnet stronger?
• How do real power stations generate electricity?
• Why do magnets behave differently with different materials?

This natural curiosity encourages children to continue exploring long after the experiment has finished.

Engineering Mindset

Hands-on STEM learning introduces children to the way engineers think. They learn to build, test, evaluate, improve, and repeat—developing a practical understanding of how technology is created through experimentation and continuous refinement.

These engineering habits become valuable regardless of whether a child later chooses a career in science, technology, engineering, or another field entirely.

Confidence Through Discovery

Perhaps the most rewarding outcome is confidence. Successfully completing an experiment shows children that they are capable of understanding complex ideas through patience, observation, and practice.

Instead of memorising scientific facts, they experience the excitement of making a discovery themselves—a feeling that often inspires a lifelong interest in learning.

Learning Beyond the Experiment

STEM activities are not simply about building circuits or lifting metal objects with magnets. They help children develop the confidence to investigate unfamiliar problems, think independently, and approach challenges with curiosity rather than uncertainty.

These lifelong learning skills are one of the reasons parents, teachers, and homeschool educators increasingly choose hands-on STEM activities to complement traditional education.

Before choosing a STEM experiment kit, many parents have similar questions about safety, recommended ages, and how these activities fit into everyday learning. Let's answer the most common ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electromagnet?

An electromagnet is a temporary magnet created when electricity flows through a coil of wire. Unlike a permanent magnet, it only produces a magnetic field while electrical current is present, allowing it to be switched on and off.

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is an invisible area surrounding a magnet where magnetic forces can attract or repel certain materials. Although we cannot see the field itself, we can observe its effects when metal objects move toward a magnet.

How does an electromagnet experiment work?

In a typical electromagnet experiment, electricity flows through a tightly wound copper wire coil. This creates a magnetic field capable of attracting small metal objects. When the electrical current stops, the magnetic field disappears.

Why are electromagnets important?

Electromagnets are used in many everyday technologies, including electric motors, generators, speakers, relays, MRI scanners, cranes, and transportation systems. Understanding how they work helps children connect classroom science with real-world engineering.

How do generators produce electricity?

Generators work by moving a magnetic field near a coil of wire. This movement produces electrical current through a process called electromagnetic induction. It is the same scientific principle used in power stations, wind turbines, and hand-powered generators.

What age is appropriate for STEM electricity and magnetism experiments?

Most hands-on STEM experiment kits are suitable for children aged 8 years and older with adult supervision. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the experiments as guided educational activities.

Are these experiments safe for children?

Yes. Educational STEM kits are designed for supervised learning. Adult guidance helps children assemble the circuits correctly, understand the scientific concepts, and safely complete each experiment.

Can these experiments be used for homeschool or classroom learning?

Absolutely. Electricity and magnetism experiments are widely used in homeschool lessons, STEM clubs, science classrooms, and science fair projects because they make abstract scientific concepts much easier to understand through hands-on learning.

Why is hands-on STEM learning more effective?

Hands-on activities encourage children to ask questions, test ideas, observe results, and solve problems independently. This active learning process improves understanding, strengthens long-term memory, and builds confidence through discovery.

Which experiment should children try first?

A great starting point is an electromagnet experiment because children can immediately observe electricity creating a magnetic field. Once they understand that relationship, exploring how generators convert movement into electricity becomes a natural next step, providing a complete introduction to electricity and magnetism.

Now that we've answered the most common questions, let's bring everything together and see how simple STEM experiments can inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of science.

Conclusion: Turning Curiosity into Real Learning

Electricity and magnetism are among the most fascinating forces children can explore. Although these concepts may seem complex at first, hands-on STEM experiments transform invisible scientific principles into exciting discoveries that children can see, test, and understand.

By building an electromagnet, observing a magnetic field, and generating electricity through movement, young learners begin to understand that science is not simply a collection of facts to memorise—it is a process of exploration, experimentation, and discovery.

More importantly, these activities help children develop curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. Every experiment encourages them to ask new questions, investigate different ideas, and understand how scientific principles shape the world around them.

Whether learning at home, participating in homeschool lessons, completing a science fair project, or exploring STEM activities in the classroom, practical experiments provide meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong interest in science and engineering.

Continue the STEM Journey

If your child is ready to explore how electricity creates magnetism, the MagnoLab™ Magnetic Field Experiment Kit offers a simple, engaging introduction through a real electromagnet experiment that produces immediate and visible results.

Once those concepts become familiar, the next exciting step is discovering how magnetism can generate electricity. The STEM Electricity Generator Kit – Build & Generate Real Power allows children to experience this remarkable scientific principle by transforming mechanical movement into electrical energy through hands-on experimentation.

Together, these two educational STEM kits help children explore one of physics' most important relationships while building real-world scientific skills through active learning.

At GadWitch, we believe the best learning happens when curiosity meets hands-on exploration. Every experiment is an opportunity to inspire confidence, encourage creativity, and help children discover the incredible science behind the world they experience every day.