Magnets and electromagnets
Downloads can take a few minutes, especially for larger files or slower connections.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Series circuits, where they explored electrical components and how current flows in a simple loop. It deepens their understanding by examining the properties of magnets and electromagnets, focusing on magnetic fields and the interaction between electricity and magnetism. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electromagnetism, where they will apply their knowledge to understand the principles behind electric motors and other electromagnetic devices, enhancing their grasp of how electricity and magnetism work together in practical applications.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others.
- Magnets have two poles and two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
- A battery pushes electric charge (electrons) one way round a complete circuit.
- An ammeter is used to measure the size of an electric current.
- Electric current is measured in amps (A), which is short for ampere.
- The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Series circuits, where they explored electrical components and how current flows in a simple loop. It deepens their understanding by examining the properties of magnets and electromagnets, focusing on magnetic fields and the interaction between electricity and magnetism. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Electromagnetism, where they will apply their knowledge to understand the principles behind electric motors and other electromagnetic devices, enhancing their grasp of how electricity and magnetism work together in practical applications.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others.
- Magnets have two poles and two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
- A battery pushes electric charge (electrons) one way round a complete circuit.
- An ammeter is used to measure the size of an electric current.
- Electric current is measured in amps (A), which is short for ampere.
- The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
Physics
Magnets and electromagnets
This unit explores magnetism, including magnetic poles, fields, and Earth’s magnetism, along with the principles of electromagnets and DC motors. It focuses on conducting precise scientific enquiries and identifying variables and emphasises accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility.
5 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Magnets and electromagnets unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.