Putting magnets together: attract or repel
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
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.
Teacher tip
Pupils will learn how magnets behave when they are close together and will be able to explain their observations of magnetic attraction and repulsion. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slide 13 - see additional materials for further guidance.
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
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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?
Q6.How can results from previous investigations help scientists to make predictions about later investigations?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Putting magnets together: attract or repel, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Putting magnets together: attract or repel, 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.