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Lesson 7 of 12

Different magnets and their parts

I can identify and name different types of magnets and their parts.

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Lesson 7 of 12
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Different magnets and their parts

I can identify and name different types of magnets and their parts.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Magnets can be different sizes and shapes.
  2. There are different types of magnets, including bar, ring, button and horseshoe.
  3. Scientists refer to the poles of a magnet as a north-seeking (N) pole and a south-seeking (S) pole.
  4. Magnets always point north because Earth acts like a giant magnet. Its core contains iron, which is magnetic.

Keywords

  • Magnet - A magnet is an object that can attract magnetic materials, such as iron and steel.

  • Poles - Every magnet has two poles, and on a bar magnet, these are at opposite ends of the magnet.

  • North-seeking - The north-seeking pole of a magnet is the part that points north when the magnet is allowed to move freely.

  • South-seeking - The south-seeking pole of a magnet is the part that points south when the magnet is allowed to move freely.

Common misconception

All magnets look the same. The poles of all magnets are the ends.

Real examples and diagrams of different magnets and their poles will be given.

In the third cycle, pupils will follow in the footsteps of ancient sailors as they create their own compass by magnetising a steel pin. There is a diagnostic question on slides 20 and 21 of this lesson - see additional materials for further guidance.
Teacher tip

Equipment

See additional material for full guidance.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Yes or no - Are all magnets metal?

Correct Answer: yes, Yes

Q2.
If a metal object moves towards a magnet, it is to the magnet.

Correct Answer: attracted, attracts, attract

Q3.
Which of these is not an example of a contact force?

Someone pushing a toy train.
A toy train slowing down on a surface.
Correct answer: A leaf falling to the ground.
Someone hitting a hockey ball.

Q4.
Yes or no - Is everything made from metal attracted to a magnet?

Correct Answer: no, No

Q5.
Which statement is true about magnetic forces?

Correct answer: Magnetic forces can act at a distance from an object.
Magnetic forces only act when in contact with an object.

Q6.
Match the type of force to the example.

Correct Answer:magnetic force,iron nails moving towards lodestone rock

iron nails moving towards lodestone rock

Correct Answer:friction force,bike wheels slowing down on the playground

bike wheels slowing down on the playground

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these are types of magnets?

Moon magnet
Correct answer: Bar magnet
Correct answer: Horseshoe magnet

Q2.
Which statements below are true?

Magnets can be made from different materials, such as glass and wood.
Correct answer: Magnets can be different shapes, such a disc and bar.
Correct answer: Magnets can be different sizes, such as large and small.

Q3.
If you float a bar magnet in water, it will turn until...

Correct answer: one end faces north and the other south.
the water stops turning.
one end faces north and the other east.

Q4.
What does the N on the end of a bar magnet stand for?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: north-seeking, north pole

Q5.
Which scientist discovered that Earth was like a giant magnet?

Albert Einstein
Correct answer: William Gilbert
Marie Curie
Mae Jemison

Q6.
Earth is like a giant magnet because it contains a metal. Which magnetic metal does Earth contain?

Correct Answer: iron, Iron

Lesson appears in

UnitScience / Simple forces including magnets

Science

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