Blocking magnetic force
I can explore different materials to investigate if magnetic force can be blocked.
Blocking magnetic force
I can explore different materials to investigate if magnetic force can be blocked.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Magnetic forces can act at a distance when some materials are placed between the magnet and the magnetic material
- Scientists can carry out investigations to test which materials allow magnetic force to pass through
- Sometimes the results of an investigation are different to what was expected or predicted
Keywords
Magnetic force - Magnetic force is the force caused by a magnet.
Block - To block something is to stop it from moving or having an effect.
Non-contact force - A non-contact force is a force which occurs when objects are not touching each other.
Material - A material is the thing that objects are made from such as wood.
Predict - To predict is to say what you think will happen.
Common misconception
Magnets can exert a force through paper, but not wood, a table, or other thick materials.
Explicit teaching and investigation will clarify that magnetic force can act through a range of materials.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Blocking magnetic force, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Blocking magnetic force, 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 2 science lessons from the Simple forces including magnets unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
see additional materials for detailed guidance
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



magnets repel
magnets attract

Exit quiz
6 Questions

to say what you think will happen
to watch carefully
to explain what the results mean

