A magnet is a metal which attracts some other metals.

Every magnet has two poles, and on a bar magnet these are at opposite ends of the magnet.

The north-seeking pole of a magnet is the part that points north, if allowed to spin freely.

The south-seeking pole of a magnet is the part that points south, if allowed to spin freely.

Different magnets and their parts

Science

In this Simple forces including magnets unit, pupils learn to compare how things move on different surfaces. In the Forces including simple machines unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to compare and group together materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. In this Simple forces including magnets unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and group materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet or not

Simple forces including magnets 

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Magnets can be made from different materials, such as glass and wood.

Magnets can be different shapes, such a disc and bar.

Magnets can be different sizes, such as large and small.

If you float a bar magnet in water, it will turn until...

What does the N on the end of a bar magnet stand for? 

Which scientist discovered that Earth was like a giant magnet?

Earth is like a giant magnet because it contains a metal. Which magnetic metal does Earth contain? 

If an object moves towards a magnet, it is {{}} to the magnet.

Which of these is not an example of a contact force?

Yes or no - Is everything made from metal attracted to a magnet?

Magnetic forces can act at a distance from an object.

Magnetic forces only act when in contact with an object.

Which statement is true about magnetic forces?

bike wheels slowing down on the playground

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Different magnets and their parts

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.