In a child’s world, learning should feel like an adventure. It should be about discovery, play, and creativity, not just textbooks and memorization. At Codeco STEAM Bali, we believe that children learn best when they can engage all their senses—when they can touch, move, observe, and create.
One of the most fascinating ways to introduce children to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) is through activities that merge scientific principles with artistic expression. And what better way to do that than with an exploration of magnets, colors, and art?
This experiment starts with something simple: a plastic plate, a magnet, and colors. At first, it might seem like an ordinary art project, but as the children begin to explore, something magical happens.
The Wonder of Unseen Forces
Magnets have always fascinated children. They seem to have an invisible power, pulling objects without even touching them. There’s something deeply intriguing about how a tiny magnet can move objects around, as if by magic.
As we introduce the children to this concept, we see their eyes light up. They hold their magnets under the plate and watch as a small metal clip inside the plate begins to move, seemingly on its own. It doesn’t take long before they realize that they are controlling the movement with their hands. Suddenly, it’s no longer just a fun toy—it’s an experiment. A force they cannot see, but one they can manipulate.
But this is only the beginning.
The Art of Color Mixing Through Play
Now comes the exciting part. We add drops of different colors inside the plate—blue, red, yellow—letting them sit like little islands of paint. At first, the colors remain separate, but as the children start moving the magnet underneath, the clip inside the plate drags the paint across the surface, mixing the colors in unexpected ways.
They start to notice patterns. Red and yellow turn into orange. Blue and yellow create green. Red and blue form purple. The children squeal with excitement as they watch the transformation happen in real time, guided by their own hands and the mysterious power of magnets.
Some move the magnet slowly, carefully controlling how the colors blend. Others swipe quickly, watching as new shades appear in mesmerizing swirls. No two patterns are ever the same. Each child creates something unique—their own personal artwork shaped by movement, science, and curiosity.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
What’s fascinating about this activity is that it doesn’t just stop at art or science. It encourages children to look at the world differently.
After playing with the magnets, we ask them:
- “What else do you think is magnetic around us?”
- “How do you think magnets are used in the real world?”
- “Have you ever noticed how colors change in nature?”
They begin to explore their surroundings, picking up different objects and testing whether or not they are magnetic. They observe the colors in the environment—the green of the leaves, the blues in the sky, the vibrant pinks and reds of flowers. Some even compare them to the shades they created in their own artwork.
It’s a moment of connection, where science meets creativity, and where children learn to observe, question, and experiment—just like real scientists and artists do.
The Beauty of STEAM Learning
This Magnetic Color Exploration isn’t just about fun; it’s about building essential skills for the future.
- It teaches children about magnetic forces—a fundamental principle of physics.
- It helps them understand color theory in an intuitive way.
- It encourages experimentation and critical thinking.
- It gives them the confidence to explore new ideas without fear of making mistakes.
This is what STEAM is all about. It’s not just about learning subjects in isolation, but about bringing different disciplines together in a way that feels natural and exciting for children.
At Codeco STEAM Bali, we are passionate about creating these kinds of experiences—ones that ignite curiosity, encourage creativity, and inspire a love for learning. Because at the end of the day, education should be about more than just facts; it should be about discovery, wonder, and the joy of exploration.
So, the next time you see a child playing with a magnet, give them a challenge. Hand them some colors, let them experiment, and watch as they create something extraordinary. Because when science and art come together, the possibilities are endless.
🌿✨ Join us at Codeco STEAM Bali for more hands-on activities where kids can explore, create, and grow
