Blocking magnetic force
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore different materials to investigate if magnetic force can be blocked.
Key learning points
- Magnetic forces can act at a distance when some materials are placed between the magnet and the magnetic material
- Scientists can carry out investigations to test which materials allow magnetic force to pass through
- Sometimes the results of an investigation are different to what was expected or predicted
Keywords
Magnetic force - Magnetic force is the force caused by a magnet.
Block - To block something is to stop it from moving or having an effect.
Non-contact force - A non-contact force is a force which occurs when objects are not touching each other.
Material - A material is the thing that objects are made from such as wood.
Predict - To predict is to say what you think will happen.
Common misconception
Magnets can exert a force through paper, but not wood, a table, or other thick materials.
Explicit teaching and investigation will clarify that magnetic force can act through a range of materials.
Teacher tip
Encourage children to view themselves as scientists as they carry out investigations, working systematically, to test which materials allow magnetic force to pass through.
Equipment
see additional materials for detailed guidance
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the name for the type of force that acts between objects that are touching each other?
Q2.Magnets attract metals.
Q3.Which of these is not a type of magnet?
Q4.Yes or no - Is aluminium magnetic?
Q5.Match the pairs of poles to the behaviour of the magnets.
magnets repel
magnets attract
Q6.Would the magnets in this image attract or repel each other?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Scientists can carry out to test which materials allow magnetic force to pass through.
Q2.What are materials?
Q3.Match the part of an investigation to the definition.
to say what you think will happen
to watch carefully
to explain what the results mean
Q4.Look at the image. If you put a thin piece of wood between the fork and the magnet, would the fork still be attracted to the magnet?
Q5.Which of these could you get out of a glass bottle using a magnet?
Q6.Which of these is the definition of “block”?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Blocking magnetic force, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Blocking magnetic force, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Simple forces including magnets unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.