This magnet paper plate maze is a fun STEM activity that can be made in any theme! Kids will create their own maze on a paper plate and use a magnetic wand and paper clip to complete the maze. It builds hand eye coordination and teaches kids early concepts of magnetism through play. If you’re looking for STEM activities, magnet activities, or STEM challenges for kids, this is the perfect activity to try!
And, if you’re looking for more STEM ideas, try making this playdough pinball activity!
Kids will use playdough and a marble or ball to create a fun STEM activity that will teach them all about engineering and basic physics concepts.
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ABCs of Engineering– A book that combines the alphabet and STEM learning? Yes, please! It truly is a book that grows with your child!
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STEAM Play and Learn– Find 20 step-by-step STEAM projects for preschoolers including color mixing and potions!
What You’ll Need For This Magnet Paper Plate Maze
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How To Make This Magnet Paper Plate Maze
1. Cut a small square from green construction paper and draw a simple Creeper face, or create another small character of your choice.
2. Glue a paper clip to the back of the character and allow it to dry.
3. Draw a maze on the front of a paper plate using a marker. Make the pathways wide enough for the character to move through.
4. Decorate the maze to match your theme. For a Minecraft-inspired maze, color the paths green and brown to resemble grass and dirt blocks. Add dots or patterns for extra detail if desired.
5. Place the character at the beginning of the maze.
6. Hold the magnetic wand underneath the paper plate and use it to attract the paper clip, guiding the character through the maze from start to finish.
7. Challenge kids to complete the maze as quickly as they can.
Variation: This activity can easily be adapted with different themes such as dinosaurs, space, pirates, princesses, bugs, ocean animals, race cars, holidays, or favorite storybook characters.
Benefits Of This Magnet Paper Plate Maze
- Strengthens fine motor skills
- Encourages problem-solving and critical thinking
- Builds hand-eye coordination
- Introduces basic magnetism concepts through play
- Inspires creativity by designing unique mazes and characters
Fun Activities For Preschool
Campfire Blow Painting With Straws– Make a straw blow campfire painting with real sticks! This fun process art activity builds oral motor skills while creating a cozy craft.
Shark Slime– Blue, glittery slime full of toy sharks! Great for summer, shark week, or anytime!
Magnet Paper Plate Maze
Make a magnet paper plate maze for a fun STEM activity! Kids use a magnet to guide an object through a maze, exploring magnetism hands-on.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15
- Category: DIY, STEM
- Method: Step-by-Step
Materials
- Paper plate
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper clip
- Magnetic wand
- Markers
Instructions
- Cut a small square from green construction paper and draw a simple Creeper face, or create another small character of your choice.
- Glue a paper clip to the back of the character and allow it to dry.
- Draw a maze on the front of a paper plate using a marker. Make the pathways wide enough for the character to move through.
- Decorate the maze to match your theme. For a Minecraft-inspired maze, color the paths green and brown to resemble grass and dirt blocks. Add dots or patterns for extra detail if desired.
- Place the character at the beginning of the maze.
- Hold the magnetic wand underneath the paper plate and use it to attract the paper clip, guiding the character through the maze from start to finish.
- Challenge kids to complete the maze as quickly as they can.
