Magnets are metals that attract some other metals.

Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials. Some metals are magnetic.

To attract something is to make it move closer.

Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.

Lodestone is a type of rock that is a natural magnet.

Magnetic force (non-statutory)

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

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Which material are all magnets made from?

If an object is attracted to a magnet due to magnetic force, what does it do?

Name this rock which is a natural magnet.

the rock was lodestone which is a sticky rock

his shoes had nails in them which were sticky

the rock was was lodestone which attracted the nails in his shoes

According to the ancient tale, why did Magnes the shepherd’s shoes stick to the rock? 

he thought the smell of lodestone would scare off his enemies

he thought the lodestone would attract the metal armour of his enemies

he thought the lodestone was too strong for his enemies to break down

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?

What is the word for a force that moves an object further away?

when objects are close together but not touching each other

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

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

Magnetic force (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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