Magnetic Silly Putty

Make Your Own Magnetic Silly Putty

 

    I found this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be wonderful to add to any science area. The recipe is pretty simple and it is not expensive to make.  I wonder what would stick to this? Click on the picture above to link to the original Pinterest post for how this works and the scientific explanations or get the recipe below. Warning- You need to wear disposable gloves and a face mask when making this as the ferric iron oxide powder is very fine and you don't want to breathe it in.

Tools + materials

tools: disposable gloves (latex or other) disposable face mask disposable work area (paper plate)

materials: Thinking Putty ($2.00 or less) - any colour ferric iron oxide powder (artist supply stores) neodymium magnet

The secret ingredient that makes the putty magnetic is an iron oxide powder, which is ferric (magnetic). Ferric iron oxide is a fine powder used as black pigment and can be found at art stores. If your local artist supply store doesn't carry it, you can always purchase it online.