Putting magnets together: attract or repel
I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
Putting magnets together: attract or repel
I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Magnets have two poles: north-seeking and south-seeking
- Opposite poles on a magnet attract each other
- Like poles on a magnet repel each other
- Scientists make predictions based on results from previous investigations
Keywords
Poles - Every magnet has two poles and, on bar magnet, these are at opposite ends of the magnet.
Attract - To attract something is to make it move closer.
Repel - To repel something is to make it move further away.
Opposite - Opposite means on the other side from something or facing something.
Prediction - A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.
Common misconception
Magnetic poles may exist singly, not just in pairs.
Explicit teaching and examples will be used to address misconceptions.
Equipment
bar magnets, sticky notes, elastic bands, hole punch
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the type of material to how it behaves near a magnet.
attracted
not attracted
Q2.How many poles do magnets have?
Q3.Which of these happens when something is 'attracted' to a magnet?
Q4.In recycling centres, magnetic metal waste is attracted to magnets so it can be from other materials.
Q5.Which of these are magnetic metals?
Q6.Which metal does steel contain that makes it magnetic?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the names of the poles of a magnet?
Q2.Which is the opposite pole to the south-seeking pole?
Q3.Match the behaviour to the pairs of magnets.
the opposite poles of magnets
the same poles of magnets
Q4.A is a statement saying what you think will happen.
Q5.Which of these pairs of magnets would repel each other?
