Magnetic force (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how magnetic force was discovered by people throughout history, including important scientists.
Key learning points
- A magnet is a metal that attracts some other metals
- Not all metals are magnets, but all magnets are metallic
- Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets
- Magnetic force was first discovered by people in ancient civilisations, when they observed a mineral called lodestone
- People have made discoveries about magnets, and used magnetic force to build and invent useful things
Keywords
Magnet - Magnets are metals that attract some other metals.
Metal - Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials. Some metals are magnetic.
Attract - To attract something is to make it move closer.
Magnetic force - Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.
Lodestone - Lodestone is a type of rock that is a natural magnet.
Common misconception
All metals and silver coloured objects are magnetic and are attracted to a magnet.
Pupils test items in classroom and explicit explanation is given that magnets attract some, but not all metals.
Teacher tip
During the second learning cycle, encourage the pupils to enjoy stories about the discovery and use of magnetism in ancient times. They will have the opportunity to use their drawing skills as a way to communicate scientific information.
Equipment
A selection of magnets and access to items to test to see whether they are attracted to magnets.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these objects are metal?
Q2.Match the material to the property.
Q3.What is the word for a force that moves an object further away?
Q4.Match the type of force to the activity.
Q5.When do contact forces take place?
Q6.Which of these can forces do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which material are all magnets made from?
Q2.Are all metals magnets?
Q3.If an object is attracted to a magnet due to magnetic force, what does it do?
Q4.Name this rock which is a natural magnet.
Q5.According to the ancient tale, why did Magnes the shepherd’s shoes stick to the rock?
Q6.Magnetic force has helped people to build useful things. According to the ancient tale, why did the Chinese emperor make his palace gates from lodestone?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force (non-statutory), 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.