Process Art-Magnet painting

Magnet painting combines process art, an element of science, and music! As with any STEAM or process art activity, the focus is on a child's creativity and observation skills as opposed to the final product.

Here are some learning outcomes and vocabulary opportunities for this activity:

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Learning Outcomes:

• Mathematics: Geometry- Shapes and Spatial Awareness
• Creative Arts: Art
• Science and Technology: Experimenting, predicting, and drawing conclusions
• Science and Technology: Tools and technology

Vocabulary Opportunities:

• Magnetic
• Glide
• Attract
• Repel
• Polarity
• Under
• Opposites

Materials

• Paint in the desired colors
• Sturdy paper (card stock works well)
• Magnet wands (other magnets with something to grasp would work too!)
• Jingle Bells
• Tray or lid from a cardboard box
• *Optional: Variety of materials for the kids to test with their wands

Prepare the Invitation to Create:

• Make sure to have at least two pieces of paper available per child, they will likely want to make more than one masterpiece!
• Set out smocks or tee shirts (over-sized shirts work well and can be free/cheap)
• Depending on the size of your group and environment, you may choose to only set up a few stations at a time and encourage children to take turns. This way you can supervise and provide scaffolding during the activity. 
• Write the children's names on the back of the paper. Set each tray up with a magnet wand, the paper, and a few bells. 

Before you add the paint, allow children to explore the materials. They may want to shake the bells, move them across the paper, and experiment with the magnetism of the wand and bells. 

Next, demonstrate the method. Encourage children to set the bells on top of the paper, then run the wand along the bottom of the tray. 
Talk to the children about what is happening, describe how the magnet wand is attracting the bells and moving them across the paper. 

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Once the children have had ample time to explore the materials, and understand the procedure, it's time to add some paint!

One idea is to use primary colors and drop a bell in each color so the children can blend the colors. ​

Try adding this activity to yourOuter Space, Deck the Halls, or 4th of July Themes.

Consider supplying a container with other items from around the house that the children can experiment with. Choose items that will add a variety of textures to their artwork. 

View this process in action!

Follow-Up Activities:

• Encourage children to use the magnetic wands around the classroom
• Set up a magnetic/non-magnetic sorting activity
• Place the bells in a clear bottle and seal the bottle, children can use the wand on the outside of the bottle to move the bells

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