Ferrofluid Lab Magnetic Chemistry by Heebie Jeebies- 5 Experiments for Kids Ages 8+- Educational Science Project STEM Learning Unique Activities for Boys and Girls- Ideal Gift for Students. Ferrofluid was discovered in 1963 by a NASA scientist to create liquid rocket fuel that could be used in a weightless environment. When interacted with a magnet, the previously runny liquid suddenly starts to grow spikes which grow higher as the magnet gets nearer and these spikes then repel each other, causing the patterns to move and change shape, creating fascinating results, like magic. Use these principles to test out these basic principles of physics. WARNING: this experiment can get messy! Take precautions to protect surfaces.