This is such a fun magnetic project. Today we are doing a magnet experiment with kids to make our own magnetic mud using ferrofluid. Making magnetic mud is a whole new level of science fun for kids – especially older kids. This magnetic mud experiment would make a terrific science fair project and is one of the best science projects on magnetism for home or the classroom.
Ferrofluid Experiments for Kids
Have you ever heard of ferrofluid?
Related: Magnetic slime
Today, we broke out our test tubes with the left over iron oxide powder from when we made our own tinted sunscreen and created a DIY ferrofluid concoction that we are calling magnetic mud. My kids went wild for this magnetism experiment.
What is FerroFluid?
Ferrofluids (sometimes referred as magnetic liquids) are colloidal suspensions of magnetic nanoparticles.
–MAO LAB, What are Ferrofluids?
Ferrofluid is a suspension of tiny, tiny particles of metal that are responsive to magnetic fields (like iron or nickle) mixed into an oil solution.
It looks like a liquid and acts like a liquid, but as it contains little bits of magnetic-responsive metal, it moves with magnets. For our solution we used powdered rust (iron oxide).
Warning About This Magnetic Science Project
Be careful with kids using ferrofluid:
- Your kids should not eat the iron.
- As it is in powder form it might be able to be absorbed into the bloodstream if ingested and iron overdoses in kids can be very dangerous.
- Iron oxide powder stains everything.
- You might want to mix it outdoors and with disposable containers. I mixed the iron and let the kids play with the test tubes when we were finished.
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Make Ferrofluid (aka magnetic mud)
This is a great way for kids to have fun learning about metals, suspensions, magnetic qualities – all with this Iron Mud or magnetic mud science activity.
Supplies Needed for Experiment on Magnetism
- Vegetable Oil
- Iron Oxide Powder
- Disposable spoon and bowl
- Test Tube with top
- Face mask and gloves – you don’t want to inhale the powdered metal or stain your hands.
- Magnet
Instructions to Make DIY Ferrofluid (aka magnetic mud)
Step 1
Mix the iron oxide powder into 1/4 cup of oil.
Step 2
We mixed it a tablespoon at a time and stirred until it was completely mixed in, smooth, no clumps, but also a bit thick.
Step 3
Drop the mud into a test tube filled with water. Cork it and then use the magnet to move the iron “mud” around the tube.
Step 4
Use multiple magnets to see if you can get the magnetic mud blob to move in multiple directions at the same time.
Magnetic Mud Science Experiment
Make science exciting with this ferrofluid. Ferrofluid acts like a liquid, but can be manipulated with a magnet. So cool!
Materials
- Vegetable Oil
- Iron Oxide Powder
- Disposable spoon and bowl
- Test Tube
Tools
- Face mask and/or gloves - you don't want to inhale the powdered metal or stain your hands.
Instructions
- Mix the iron oxide powder into 1/4 cup of oil. We mixed it a tablespoon at a time and stirred until it was completely mixed in, smooth, no clumps, but also a bit thick.
- Drop the mud into a test tube filled with water.
- Cork it and then use the magnet to move the iron "mud" around the tube.
- Use multiple magnets to see if you can get the blog to move in multiple directions at the same time.
Notes
You will want to be careful with kids in this experiment. Your kids should not eat the iron. As it is in powder form it *might* be able to be absorbed into the bloodstream if ingested and iron overdoses in kids can be very dangerous. Also, the iron oxide powder stains everything. You might want to mix it outdoors and with disposable containers. I mixed the iron and let the kids play with the test tubes when we were finished.
More Fun Science Experiments From Kids Activities Blog
- Make an electromagnetic train
- We’ve made our own compasses.
- Try moving dollar bills with magnets.
- Let’s do some fun magnet activities!
- Want something different? Try this 10 awesome weather science experiments.
- Want some excitement? Check out this exploding bag experiment.
- Our favorite science project ideas.
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- Let’s do some science activities for preschoolers.
- Play a fun DIY science game!
- Oh, and don’t miss out on our book on the coolest science experiments!
- You can make your very own catapults!
- Make acronyms with this great scrabble magnets craft.
How did your DIY ferrofluid turn out? Did your kids love making their own magnetic mud?
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