As Halloween approaches, a delightful experiment combines fun and science: creating floating magnetic ghosts. This activity showcases the interaction between magnetism and gravity, allowing young learners to explore these forces in an engaging way.
To begin, gather the necessary materials: paper clips, ceramic craft magnets, clear fishing wire, jumbo craft sticks, strong tape, and white tissue paper. This project is perfect for parents, teachers, and students seeking a creative and educational activity.
Steps to Create Floating Ghosts
The first step involves crafting a magnetic “wand.” This can be done by taping together two or three ceramic magnets between two jumbo craft sticks, forming a simple yet effective tool for controlling your ghost.
Next, make a loop with the clear fishing wire and secure it to a table. This loop serves as an anchor, and at the end, attach a paper clip. Following this, practice using your magnetic wand to lift the paper clip, demonstrating how to make it “float” in the air.
For the ghost, take a small piece of tissue paper, and if desired, decorate it with eyes and a mouth. Place this tissue paper over the paper clip, and use your magnetic wand to balance the tissue paper, attempting to make your ghost float above the table.
Understanding the Science Behind It
This experiment effectively illustrates the principles of magnetism and gravity. The aim is to achieve a state where the magnetic force exerted by the wand surpasses the gravitational pull on the ghost and paper clip. If the ghost or paper clip falls, it indicates that gravity has the upper hand.
This hands-on activity not only provides entertainment but also fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, making it an enjoyable Halloween-themed project.
For those interested in more interactive science demonstrations, consider reaching out to Sarah Spivey, who conducts live experiments and engages with students through her program, GMSA@9.
