Magnetic force at a distance
I can observe and measure magnetic forces acting at a distance.
Magnetic force at a distance
I can observe and measure magnetic forces acting at a distance.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.
- Magnetic forces are non-contact forces. A magnet can act at a distance so it does not have to be touching the object.
- Scientists make observations and measurements about the world to help them to find out more about things.
- Magnetic force can be observed and measured acting at a distance.
Keywords
Magnetic force - Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.
Non-contact force - Non-contact forces occur when the objects are not touching.
Distance - The distance between two points is the length of space between them.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Measure - To measure is to use equipment to find numbers to describe a feature of something such as its length, weight, size or time.
Common misconception
Magnetic force is a contact force.
Through their own investigation, children will demonstrate magnetic force acting at a distance.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force at a distance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Magnetic force at a distance, 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
Magnets, paperclips, cotton thread or wool, sticky tape and rulers.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

moves an object further away
moves an object closer





the object moves towards the magnet
the object does not move towards the magnet


Exit quiz
6 Questions




cm or m
g or kg
ml or l