Plotting magnetic fields
I can plot and describe magnetic fields around bar magnets.
Plotting magnetic fields
I can plot and describe magnetic fields around bar magnets.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- All magnets have a north–seeking pole and a south–seeking pole.
- Unlike magnetic poles attract each other, and like magnetic poles repel each other.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metals and non–metals are not magnetic.
- The needle of a plotting compass lines up with the magnetic field of a magnet.
- Arrows on magnetic field lines show the direction in which the north–seeking pole of another magnet would be forced.
Keywords
North–seeking pole - The part of a magnet that is attracted to the south–seeking pole of another magnet, and to Earth's magnetic North Pole.
Magnetic material - A material that is attracted to a magnet. The elements iron, cobalt and nickel, and their alloys (such as steel), are magnetic; non–metals and other metals are not magnetic.
Compass needle - A tiny magnet in a compass that freely turns to line up with the direction of a magnetic field.
Magnetic field line - A line with an arrow, showing the direction in which a force acts on the north–seeking pole of a magnet in a magnetic field.
Common misconception
The magnetic field is only at the poles of a magnet.
Provide opportunity for pupils to plot magnetic field lines around pairs of bar magnets and to experiment with a second magnet as described in the teacher tip.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Plotting magnetic fields, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Plotting magnetic fields, 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 4 physics lessons from the Electromagnetism unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A pair of bar magnets and a plotting compass for each pupil so they can plot magnetic field lines onto A4 plain paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
