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Geomag Panels – Review

August 10, 2019July 10, 2019 by Angela

In this review article, I would like to share my personal opinion about the Geomag panels. I have two daughters aged 7 and 4 respectively. I used to spend a lot of time playing with them but in an educative manner. I make sure to gift them toys that not only make them feel happy but give them some knowledge as well. That is how I came across these Geomag panels. In one word I can say that this toy is the best replacement for LEGO blocks. Let us understand in detail about Geomag Panels and feel glad that you identified the best gift for your kid aged 5 and above. I assure that this toy can be played by anyone and there is no upper age limit. Playing with toy enhances the fine motor skills and improves hand eye coordination. Only because of some small parts we suggest kids under age 5 should not use this.

Get your Geomag Panels here.

Brief Intro About Geomag

Switzerland based Geomag company is keen on producing magnetic toys to kids. This will allow the models constructed to get fixed easily with the help of the magnetic attraction. They are a pioneer in manufacturing magnetic toys for more than a decade.

About Geomag panel

This is a toy that contains panels made in plastic, steel non-magnetic balls, and magnetic rods. Previously there were many rods colorful, shining with metal balls but few panels produced by Geomag. The purpose of this product is to allow kids to make solid shapes with the help of the panel

This comes in a set of 32, 50, 68, 83, 114 and 92 pieces including magnetic rods, steel balls, and panels. I will be giving you details about the 68 piece set which I bought to play for my elder kid. Let me also tell you how it turned to be a useful gift for my younger one as well.

This 68 pieces set consist of 24 rods and these are not colored but silver rods. Both the ends of these rods are magnetic representing north and south pole. The 20 steel balls are nonmagnetic. Remaining 24 pieces are the panels which are made up of plastic material and they come in different geometric shapes. These are in different colors and to be precise there are 5 triangles red in color, 12 green triangles, 10 baby blue square panels and 2 blue panels which are larger in size.

What can be done with this product and how kids can use it?

With the help of the panels, kids can learn colors, shapes and fundamental geometry. My toddler can identify shapes and color. Yes, there is spherical balls, cylindrical rods, square, triangle, pentagonal panels. Red, blue and green colored panels. You can buy more sets to get a mixture of colors and shapes.

Image Credit: Aldo Cavini Benedetti

Grown kids above age 5 can use this toy to construct simple structures and thereby understand geometry dimensions like height, length, diameters, etc.

Elder kids can construct 3D models and panels giving them a solid shape. Rods and steel balls help them stay fixed. The creativity and logical thinking ability of kids develop and they can master the art of constructing different models. This way it is better than the LEGO block.

Older kids can be taught magnetism, gravity, and geometry. Yes, when they try to fix two rods few may repel and others may attract. SO there they understand the invisible force called magnetism. The polarities north and south can be understood. They will know that opposite poles attract each other and like poles repel.

Then now coming to gravity it is the force from the earth that pulls things downwards. This can be learned by constructing a maze game and move steel balls on the plate by keeping the rods below.

They can construct architectural buildings like bridges with the help of the panel and rod thus has a greater scope to become engineers and architects.

Image Credit : Karl Horton

With all these activities, kids can develop spatial thinking skill and learn to make different shapes. For instance, they will know the number of sides of a square, triangle, and pentagon. They can relate pentagon and triangle in one way and square and pentagon in another way. So they will become experts in fixing shapes.

Best Features of Geomag panels

As mentioned in the uses section Geomag panels can be used to learn concepts and play as well. Kids are fond of playing and we adults want to teach them concepts. Using this toy both the purpose gets resolved.
Many numbers of rods, panels, and balls open an avenue to construct different models at the same time it can engage more kids.
It is not necessary that one full pack is used by a single kid at one time and the concept of sharing is taught to kids.
They become responsible when they deal with many parts and develop the habit of counting and collecting them to keep them in one box
They can identify different metals and nonmetals with the help of the magnetic rods.
Kids can understand STEM concepts using this toy that include Science, technology, engineering, and Math.

Things to be improved

Having spoken about the benefits and the best uses, let me also tell you the tough time I faced with the toy. The plastics are not sturdy, but they form the base for fixing the rods. Therefore the plastics break easily which must be considered by Geomag and provide a better quality plastic.
However, their magnets are extremely strong that sometimes they disturb getting fixed to the not required part of the construction and makes kid lose interest in the game.
The packing can have some boxes for the steel balls as kids find it difficult to deal with the rolling balls.
The provider can also consider providing polyhedron shaped balls which will not roll as the steel balls.
The polarity of the magnet can be marked to help kids handle them quickly for making their construction easy. But this is not mandatory as it will help kids to learn the polarity better when they test with each rod.

Caution note for adults’

I agree it is a play toy but that does not mean you can allow kids to handle them alone. The small balls cause a choking hazard and monitor kids not to swallow. Similarly, the magnet rods should not be put in the mouth as they may get attracted in the intestine and cause serious health issues. Do not use any broken panels which may hurt kid’s hands.

Finally, make sure not to keep magnets near computers and magnetic media which will cause interruption and lead to malfunction of the systems.

5 more similar products for you to compare

I do not want you to go choice less and hence adding these 5 products letting you compare with Geomag to purchase the best. Also, you can consider gifting a different product to kids if you already have Geomag Panels.

Happy Genius Magnetic Blokcs – Amazon Link – This contains 110 pieces and all are magnetic blocks of different shapes with an instruction manual. There are no steel balls and magnetic rods so kids of any age can play it safe. Different size, shape and color combinations are there within the 110 pieces and hence kids can learn construction plus magnetism.
Magz Electrobix – Amazon Link – There are 40 blocks magnetized and consist of lights. Apart from the usual building concepts and magnetism now kids can be taught about light as well. Feel great to include one more science lesson in a playful way with the help of Magz Electronix 42 piece magnetic light upset.
Magnetic Stick N Stack – Amazon Link – 72 pieces including 60 magnetic tiles, stile mags – 12, and these are made with powerful magnets. These are marketed with the aim of allowing kids to make a model of car, airport, etc. The powerful magnets are 3 times strong when compared to the usual magnets. The stile mags help in adding letters, pictures, and shapes to the creation.
Goobi Juniors – Amazon Link – This is best suited for toddlers as they contain magnetic rods but encapsulated in plastic molding with steel balls fixed inside. So no choking hazard and kids can make any model with magnetic force. However, the magnetic force is strong enough to allow the construction to remain fixed.
Exasticks Magnetic Blocks – Amazon Link – With 32 square and 32 triangular panels’ kids can construct even a car model as they also provide wheels with this set. The magnetic colorful panels stay fixed letting kids think logically and make different models. Also, the exclusive bag offered with the set makes the life of parents easy to collect and store them for future use.

I am glad to recommend you all to choose the Geomag Panel as the fundamental magnetic toys as they are worth the price and develop the critical thinking skills of kids.

Disclaimer:This post contains affiliate links from Amazon. An affiliate link means that when you purchase using the link provided in this page, I would get a small referral fees WITHOUT any extra cost to you. I highly appreciate your understanding and support.

DIY Christmas Tree Magnet Maze (Fun Science Game)

August 21, 2019June 23, 2019 by Angela

STEAM activity for Christmas will allow you to teach physics for kids and they can play the maze game as well.

Magnets are quite magical for young kids and definitely be one of their favorite things to explore and experiment with. Have your kid’s ever explored Christmas science and magnets together or Are you willing to introduce some sensory play activities to your kids!? If so, then you will be amazed learning our post today. Yes, today I am going to explain you a perfect and easy activity that combine both Christmas magnetic science and sensory play. Here we go “Christmas Tree Magnet Maze”.

We will now make a magnet maze game with fun Christmas spin. Yes, maze game on a Christmas tree painting. Hence I call this a STEAM activity STEM + ART.

The physics concept of magnetic force can be taught to kids using this game. The ball can be moved on a specific path using a magnet. Let’s understand how to do it and how it works.

For the first time, we have started this experiment by raising few questions to our kids such as “what is magnetism?” “How the magnet works” etc. I feel in this way, kids may have a thrilling time and experience while exploring and playing with magnets. Hence, we created magnet maze to explain magnetism.

Kids can draw and paint a Christmas tree and also learn magnetism. STEAM activity will let kids use both their left and the right brain. So this is one of the best activities for kids to play, learn and have fun.

How to integrate STEM activities with art to make it STEAM

Suitable For

Both preschoolers and kindergarteners will get benefited from this activity. Also, this activity is a great opportunity for kids aged above 5 years to better understand the science behind the magnetism concept. My elder daughter, Prithika (7 years old) well understood the science behind it because she has explored the activity with many variations and different ideas.

Steps to make the magnet maze game on a Christmas tree drawing

Things required

Magnet – Long piece
Markers – Stix markers
Paper / Paper Plates
Some steel object like a small ball or so
Geomag magnetic rods and steel balls (preferred but optional)

Feel free to use products if available at home or purchase from the links (affiliate – thanks for your support!).

Reviews of Geomag sets available at

Steps to follow

Step-1: Draw a maze

Here our maze is a Christmas tree. My younger kid is very much excited to draw a Christmas tree on a white paper. She recently started going to drawing classes and hence she wants to shoe her drawing skills. J She used green, yellow, black, brown, and blue color pencils and sketches to draw a beautiful Christmas tree.

We can consider this step as an artistic element of this activity where kids are able to draw and show their designing skills to decorate their Christmas tree. Also, this activity incorporates both science and art together. Incorporating art along with STEM activities encourages kids to actively participate in the STEM activities. Hope you all agree my point!

Step-2: Make a magnet stick

I have made a magnet wand or stick at home using a small magnet, glue and a wooden stick. I placed a small drop of glue on the magnet and then laid a wooden chopstick on top of the glue. I have done this step a night before we start the activity since we need to let it dry completely to avoid the mess because of glue. Now you are ready with the magnetic wand or stick! But if you does not have enough time and need to start the experiment immediately, then you can use hot glue which works best as well. It makes your magic wand ready within few minutes.

Step-3: Move around the magnet

Place the magnet balls on top of the Christmas tree maze. Now hold the magnet stick under the white paper. Now ask your kids ‘what do they discover or observe?’ We are able to see the magnet ball at the top and magnet stick underneath the paper attract each other. As we move the magnet stick over the paper along the Christmas tree, the magnet ball at the top also moves.

After they completed the activity, my kids roamed around the home catching the magnet wand in the hand searching for any other magnetic materials in the home. Their discoveries lead to some good conversations about what a magnet is, what polarity is, and what items are magnetic.

We even made it a game by timing the activity between both the girls.

Please Note ...

Make sure your kids do not have a habit of putting things in their mouth. The small balls used in this activity cause a choking hazard. Please monitor the same and be with them.

Also, I suggest you use magnets of large size. We used a long magnet. Magnets should not be let swallowed as they get attracted to the other items if any in the gut and causes a major problem.

So decide yourself and do this activity with caution.

Here kids will learn the coordination as it is not easy to make it happen in the first attempt. All their senses will be activated to make this happen. First, they need eye and hand coordination to achieve this successfully.

Find more details about seven senses here

Kinaesthesia is the most important sense with which kids will know where to move the hands. Also, they will know the amount of force to be applied for pushing the ball on the maze path. Few kids will take a couple more time than others. Do not worry, but it is a good activity.

Gravity is the force that pulls an object towards the center of the earth. This force in general is not visible and only the movement of object will indicate this force. The steel ball on the paper plate is pulled in the direction the magnet moves under the paper.

The magnetic force produced by the magnet is also not visible but the object movement will indicate the effect. The steel ball will move due to the magnetic force as it works through the metal objects. Therefore there are two forces namely gravity and magnetic force. The former force will pull the ball to the floor and the latter force will attract the ball to the magnet. Based on the strength of the magnet, the magnetic force will succeed.

Extension Idea:

Elder kids can do this in a better way by drawing a Christmas Tree maze based on their imagination. They can print and then paste it on the paper plate. Thereby technology is incorporated in this activity which is yet a STEM pillar subject.

Here is another version of Christmas Tree Magnet Maze created by my younger one.

Science behind the Magnet Maze

Magnetic field is the most amazing thing about magnets created by a magnetic material and attracts other magnetic materials that produce magnetic fields at a distance invisibly. It seems to be like a magic. This is where magnetism plays major role. The invisible and strange force created by the magnetic fields produced by the magnetic materials is the reason to attract or repel other objects. Because of magnetism, the magnetic stick and the magnetic ball attract each other and stick.

Few facts about magnets

Magnets are bipolar, meaning a magnet has two ends called poles i.e. a North Pole and a South Pole.
The North Pole of one magnet attracts the South Pole of other magnet and vice versa. That means like poles repel each other and unlike poles attract each other.
A magnet produces a strange and invisible area of magnetism all around it called a magnetic field.
If you cut a bar magnet, you will get two brand new smaller magnets each with its own north and south poles.
If you run or rub a magnet over an nonmagnetic piece of a magnetic material (such as an iron nail) for few minutes, the nonmagnetic piece can convert into a magnet as well. This is called magnetization.

What is magnetism?

In simple terms, magnetism is an electromagnetic force exerted by the magnetic fields that can attract or repel the objects if they have magnetic material like iron inside them. Basically, it refers to the physical phenomenon of magnetic materials which pull closer or repel other objects.

My younger daughter (5 years old) kept pale face after listening the definition of magnetism. Yes, if we say the above mentioned definition directly to our kids, they may keep confused faces. So, we need to explain them through some fun play. Here is what I did to better understand my kids about magnetism.

Introducing your child to magnets

Firstly, I asked my girls to run around the home and get few things or objects they find. I am ready with a bowl to collect the objects they have gathered. After few minutes, my little ones came back to me with some objects and dropped in the bowl I have arranged. I will disclose the things what they have gathered 🙂 i.e. pencil, eraser, a plastic spoon, paper clips, toys etc. Now I handed them a magnet and asked to explore the items they have collected one after other. My little scientists started their research and gave me the end report saying that some objects are attracted to magnet and some are not attracted. Also there is a big question mark on my kids face and also surprised how come some objects are attracted to the magnet. I explained the concept to my kids by sorting out the objects into two sections: magnetic and non-magnetic. My girls really enjoyed this fun play before we start the activity.

Check for additional physics fun experiments here

Find other Christmas science ideas in the following list given below

Christmas Science Projects for Kids
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Fun Science for Kids
STEM for Girls

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Magnet Maze Game Designing Activity – Learn Science and Art

November 26, 2019March 21, 2019 by Angela

From this article, you can learn to make a magnet maze game and teach physics as well as art (STEAM) activities for kids.

My kids love to play with magnets and hence I decided to teach them the magnetic force with an experiment.

Suitable For

Both preschoolers and kindergarteners can try this experiment. Tisha was 3 years and 6 months old when we did this experiment.

Please Note ...

This activity includes magnet and steel ball. Therefore you need to be vigilant in not letting children put them in the mouth. It causes a choking hazard. If you are sure that your kids will not put in their mouth, then let them do this activity. Anyways use a big size magnet to avoid any accidents. Even by mistake if kids swallow the magnet then it will get attracted with the particles present in the gut and lead to serious problems.

Steps involved in making the magnet maze game

Things required

Long Magnet

White Paper

Markers, pencils, and crayons
Steel balls small in size

You can try getting Stix markers and steel balls and magnetic rods from Geomag (these are affiliate links). You can also use similar items if available at home.

Find our review for Geomag products

Steps to follow

Draw the maze with a clear path on a paper. You can also choose online maze and print them. Allow kids to color them and decorate.
Place the magnet below the paper and steel ball on top.
When the magnet is moved it will pull the steel ball on the top and make it move as well.

We tried with multiple combinations of mazes. Each time, I tried to increase the complexity by adding different routes and then let the kids find out the right way out. The kids loved them 🙂

Initially, kids will find it tricky to understand how the steel ball rolls by moving the magnet. But once they get a hold on it, then they will start playing maze crazily. I have experienced this personally with my Tisha who is 3.5 years old.

She also tried with different colors and designs to add more fun. She played with crayons and colors having loads of fun.

You can see her moving the magnet to see the ball rolling above.

After school, my elder one Pritika 6 years old played with the maze. But she tried to analyze the design and then figured out a traditional maze design. I helped her with some images from online to inspire her to get some ideas.

Extension Idea: Older kids of age 7+ can think innovatively to make new designs and decorate them. This is one of the best STEM pillar subjects. Also, this can be a good STEAM activity.

Several IT programs like Picmonkey can be used to design maze online.

Fun Science Facts

The invisible force gravity will pull objects downwards to earth. The movement metal ball is due to gravity. Yes, this force will pull the ball to the floor.

Magnetic force is another force applied in this game and that is invisible too. This force is created by the magnet and it attracts the steel ball towards it.

This is the basic concept used in this activity. Both are physics concepts and kids can quickly get a grip of it. They may not understand in depth but at least will know that there is a force named gravity that will pull the object towards the ground. Likewise, there is a force called a magnetic force which will attract metal objects towards it.

Get more physics fun activities from the list given below

Magnet science experiment– In this experiment kids guess the items that will get attracted to magnets and will make a table to examine the hypothesis.
Refraction of light
Balance scale experiment to compare the weights
Basic pulley construction

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Fun Science for Girls
STEM for Girls

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DIY Fridge Door Marble Run Using Magnets

September 1, 2019March 3, 2019 by Angela

This is a fun STEM (STEAM) activity of making a marble run with magnets for kids. This is best suited for refrigerator doors any steel surface (you can also try with magnetic white/black boards.)

Suitable For

This can be done by all age group kids namely, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and school-aged kids. My kids Pritika and Tisha were 6 and 4 years old at the time we tried this activity.

I would like to share this with you all and you can also have fun with your kids. Follow these steps and let your kids make one for your fridge door as well.

Kids can make it on their own and it is very easy too.

Steps to follow for making the marble run for the fridge door

Things required

Cardboard rolls – We used toilet rolls and paper towel rolls. You can also include foil rolls or cling film rolls. Multiple sizes of rolls can be used.
Tiny balls like pom or marbles
Scissors
Magnets
Glue
Decorative Tape

Fridge door marble run

In case you don’t have rolls as I mentioned before, then you can make it from cardboard but let them be decorated with tapes to look great on the refrigerator door.

Using glue gun we managed to stick magnets on the side of the rolls. However, usual craft glue (PVA) can do this job perfectly. But leave it overnight and allow it to dry completely.

Choose magnets that are strong only then steel balls or marbles can be placed in the rolls. It can withstand the weight. However, pom poms are not very bulky and you can choose light magnets in that case.

Decorate toilet paper rolls with washi tape stick on magnets to create a magnetic marble run for the fridge door

My kids both elder and younger decorated the cardboard rolls. Off course I helped them with the final finishing.

Testing out the marble run

Also, we made them look in different shapes by cutting the corners into small sections, etc. You can skip this if kids are trying and don’t allow them to handle scissors alone.

Creating magnetic marble run pieces

Now after completing, place them on the fridge. Kids will love to play with them.

Magnetic marble run for your fridge door fun science for kids

Make a magnetic marble run

Make a colourful DIY magnetic marble run

DIY magnetic marble run

Points worth considering

How many can be added in one go (zigzags)?
Using a stopwatch can we time the running marble? Is it possible to make it slow or quick by modifying the track?
Try to run marble with heavy balls, light balls, rough, and smooth balls. Test if the design can handle all types of balls or should the design be modified? What is the relation between the ball type and speed?

Fun Science Fact

Factors influencing the marble run design are as follows.

Gravity – It is the force which will pull the object in the downward direction (in the direction of the earth’s center). Thus marble travels down.
Energy– The speed of the travel will decide the energy consumption. Faster it travels better energy it will possess. The object collides and exchange energy between them thus changing the motion.
Force– Heavy object will have more force and rapidly moving object will have more force too. At the same time, heavy balls require a slower track to handle the force and preventing from falling out of the track.
Friction – The resistance happening when two things rub against each other is called friction. The ball texture affects friction.

Make a DIY magnetic marble run for the fridge

In this activity, you can teach them science as well as introduce STEM activities in a playful manner. Also, include art in the STEM activity to make it STEAM activity.

Science–Marble runs make a physics activity with concepts like force, gravity, friction, and energy
Technology– Using a stopwatch to set time is the technical aspect.
Engineering– Designing and testing with different marbles, weights, texture, and size teach engineering activities.
Math– You can estimate, measure and compare time and teach math for kids. Ask kids to make a table by estimating, measuring and comparing the distance traveled by the marble. You could record results in a table.

+ Art – Tube decoration with paints and tapes is the best part of art activity in this experiment.

Make a DIY magnetic marble run for your fridge door

Check Physics Experiments for Kids archive for other experiments.

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* This post does have some affiliate links. An affiliate link means that when you purchase using the link provided in this page, I would get a small referral fees without any extra cost to you. I high appreciate your understanding and support.