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Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

I can compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials.

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New

Magnetic and non-magnetic materials

I can compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Magnetic materials will be attracted to a magnet and non-magnetic materials will not be attracted to a magnet
Magnetic materials always contain metal, but not all metals are magnetic
Iron is magnetic, so is steel because it contains iron
Most other metals are not magnetic
Magnets are used to separate magnetic materials from non-magnetic materials at recycling centres and scrap yards

Keywords

Material - A material is the thing that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Magnetic - Magnetic materials are materials that are attracted to magnets.
Attract - To attract something is to make it move closer.
Non-magnetic - Non-magnetic materials are materials that are not attracted to magnets.
Metal - A metal is a type of material.

Common misconception

All metals and silver coloured objects are magnetic and are attracted to a magnet.

Explicit teaching, including many examples, will be combined with hands-on exploration to address this misconception.

This lesson helps children understand the importance of science in their day-to-day lives by providing them with the opportunity to learn about, and explore, how magnets are used in recycling and waste management.

Teacher tip

Equipment

Magnets and a selection of items made from magnetic and non-magnetic materials.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).