Magnetic Painting - STEAM Lesson

STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.

STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.

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Age Group Best Served: K-5

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: Yes

Approximate time: 20-30 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

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Materials:

White paper plates, washable paint in primary colors, paper clips, bar magnets, and paper towels.

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Question to ask:

How can you move the paint without touching it?

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Skills Required for Completion of Task:

Motor skills

• Bilateral upper extremity coordination
• Ability to manipulate small objects
• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to grip objects
• Ability to stabilize objects/task

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Process/Cognitive skills

• Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
• Follow multi-step directions
• Ability to sequence steps
• Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
• Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements

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Social skills

• Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately

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K-8 Standards:

3.PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions 1) Explain the cause and effect relationship of magnets. 2) Solve a problem by applying the use of the interactions between two magnets.

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Simple Science:

The paperclip is attracted by and moved by the magnet through the paper plate. This movement moves the paint to create the desired design on the paper plate.

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This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services, Industrial Arts

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Instructions:

Provide students with a white paper plate with small blobs of washable paint in primary colors, one paper clip, and a bar magnet. Place the paperclip in the paint on the top of the plate and use the bar magnet to move the paperclip from underneath the plate.

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The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. 

Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment