Magnetic poles
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how magnets can attract magnetic materials, as well as attract and repel other magnets.
Key learning points
- All magnets have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.
- Unlike magnetic poles attract each other, and similar magnetic poles repel each other.
- Magnetic materials are attracted to both north–seeking and south–seeking magnetic poles.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metal and non–metal elements are not magnetic.
- A north–seeking pole will point towards the North Pole because Earth has a magnetic field.
Keywords
North–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the north
South–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the south
Attract - a force that makes things move together
Magnetic field - an area where a magnetic pole will align in a particular direction
Repel - a force that makes things move apart
Common misconception
All metals are magnetic and an object with a static electric charge is magnetic.
Provide opportunities for pupils to test some metals that are not magnetic, and a balloon with a static electric charge with a magnet.
Teacher tip
Magnetic materials have been taught at KS2 and can be revised if it is thought necessary. Using the full names for the poles of magnets (north–seeking pole and south–seeking pole) helps to consolidate understanding of the magnetic properties of the poles.
Equipment
Bar magnets and iron nails.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the name of a device with a part that points north?
Q2.Which of the following is the name of the ends of a bar magnet?
Q3.How many poles does a bar magnet have?
Q4.Which of the following does a bar magnet have?
Q5.What causes Earth's magnetic field?
Q6.What direction does a compass needle point?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about a north–seeking pole are correct?
Q2.Which of the following statements about a magnet is correct?
Q3.Which of the following will happen if a bar magnet is broken in half?
Q4.What does the part of a bar magnet, shown in the image, do?
Q5.Which of the following materials will block a magnetic field?
Q6.Which of the following elements are magnetic?
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Magnetic poles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Magnetic poles, 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 3 science lessons from the Magnets and electromagnets unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.