Magnetic force at a distance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can observe and measure magnetic forces acting at a distance.
Key learning points
- Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.
- Magnetic forces are non-contact forces. A magnet can act at a distance so it does not have to be touching the object.
- Scientists make observations and measurements about the world to help them to find out more about things.
- Magnetic force can be observed and measured acting at a distance.
Keywords
Magnetic force - Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.
Non-contact force - A non-contact force is a force which occurs when objects are not touching each other.
Distance - The distance between two points is the length of space between them.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Measure - To measure is to use equipment to find numbers to describe a feature of something such as its length, weight, size or time.
Common misconception
Magnetic force is a contact force.
Through their own investigation, children will demonstrate magnetic force acting at a distance.
Teacher tip
This hands-on lesson provides the opportunity to awe the children with magnetic force. It would help to fasten the paperclips to thread in advance of the lesson so the focus can be on the science learning.
Equipment
Magnets, paperclips, cotton thread or wool, sticky tape and rulers.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the force to how it moves the object.
moves an object further away
moves an object closer
Q2.What is the name of the force caused by magnets?
Q3.Which of these materials are metal?
Q4.Match the word or phrase to the observation.
the object moves towards the magnet
the object does not move towards the magnet
Q5.Which statement is true for which materials are attracted to magnets?
Q6.When some metal objects are placed near this rock, they are attracted to it. What is the name of the rock?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Magnetic forces can act at a
Q2.Which paperclip would be most likely to move towards the magnet?
Q3.Which statement below is something that magnetic force can do?
Q4.What type of forces act between objects that are touching each other? Friction force is an example of this type of force.
Q5.Which of these observations are measurements?
Q6.Match the measurement to the unit.
cm or m
g or kg
ml or l
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force at a distance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force at a distance, 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.