New
New
Year 3

Using magnets to solve problems (non-statutory: Scientists and Engineers)

I can give examples of how engineers use results of science to design solutions and help solve everyday problems.

New
New
Year 3

Using magnets to solve problems (non-statutory: Scientists and Engineers)

I can give examples of how engineers use results of science to design solutions and help solve everyday problems.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Humans have found magnets to be useful in their everyday lives
  2. Everyday uses of magnets include compasses, electronic devices and games
  3. Maglev trains do not use an engine because they move forwards using magnets, similar to some roller coasters
  4. Engineers design and build things, using their knowledge of maths and science
  5. Men and women can become different types of engineer. They need to be curious, creative and observant

Common misconception

Engineers are only men and just like to repair or fix things.

Explicit teaching and discussion of the range of engineers and the different skills engineers need.

Keywords

  • Everyday uses - Everyday uses are the ways in which we use things in our lives such as using a kettle to heat water.

  • Electronic devices - Electronic devices are machines of pieces of equipment that are powered by electricity, like computers and phones.

  • Maglev train - A Maglev train is a type of high-speed train which uses magnets to reduce friction forces and to move.

  • Engineer - An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.

  • Design - To design something is to make a plan and a drawing describing how it could be built.

Encourage children to see engineering as a useful job that they could do if they choose to. It requires a wide range of skills and solves global problems.
Teacher tip

Equipment

None required. If you have a stacking ring magnet tower, this could be used to support task B.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is not an electronic device?
TV
mobile phone
Correct answer: book
laptop
Q2.
The same poles of magnets each other.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: repel, push
Q3.
If two magnets repel each other, what will they do?
move closer together
stay in the same place
Correct answer: move away from each other
Q4.
Match the behaviour shown by magnets to the pairs of poles that are next to each other.
Correct Answer:repel,S and S poles next to each other

S and S poles next to each other

Correct Answer:attract,S and N poles next to each other

S and N poles next to each other

Q5.
Yes or no - Can you block magnetic force with a sheet of card?
Correct Answer: no, No
Q6.
If you hang a bar magnet from a piece of string looped around its middle, it will spin freely until...
An image in a quiz
one end points up and one end points down
Correct answer: one end faces north and one faces south
one end faces east and one faces west
Q1 image 3 How to Read a Book, Kwame Alexander, Melissa Sweet, Harper Collins

6 Questions

Q1.
A is a tool that uses a magnet to help with navigation and direction.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: compass
Q2.
Match the engineering skill to the example.
Correct Answer:Being curious ,Wondering why things happen

Wondering why things happen

Correct Answer:Being creative,Drawing and making things

Drawing and making things

Correct Answer:Being observant ,Noticing things

Noticing things

Q3.
Many electronic devices have small inside them to make them work, like mobile phones, TVs and laptops. These things have two poles.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: magnets, magnet
Q4.
Men and women can become many types of engineer, but what is an engineer?
An image in a quiz
A person who drives trains.
A person who cleans things.
Correct answer: A person who designs and builds things.
Q5.
Match the type of friction force to the effect on speed.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:low friction force,allows trains to travel faster

allows trains to travel faster

Correct Answer:high friction force,slows down trains

slows down trains

Q6.
How do Maglev trains move?
An image in a quiz
They have a petrol engine.
They have a diesel engine.
Correct answer: They use magnets.
They use chains like bicycles.
Q6 Shuttertock/cyo bo