New
New
Year 3

Magnetic force (non-statutory)

I can explain how magnetic force was discovered by people throughout history, including important scientists.

New
New
Year 3

Magnetic force (non-statutory)

I can explain how magnetic force was discovered by people throughout history, including important scientists.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A magnet is a metal that attracts some other metals
  2. Not all metals are magnets, but all magnets are metallic
  3. Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets
  4. Magnetic force was first discovered by people in ancient civilisations, when they observed a mineral called lodestone
  5. People have made discoveries about magnets, and used magnetic force to build and invent useful things

Common misconception

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

Children test items in classroom and explicit explanation is given that magnets attract some, but not all metals.

Keywords

  • Magnet - Magnets are metals that attract some other metals.

  • Metal - Metals are types of material.

  • Attract - To attract something is to make it move closer.

  • Magnetic force - Magnetic forces are forces caused by magnets.

  • Lodestone - Lodestone is a type of rock which is a natural magnet.

During the second learning cycle, encourage the children to enjoy stories about the discovery and use of magnetism in ancient times. They will have the opportunity to use their drawing skills as a way to communicate scientific information.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A selection of magnets and access to items to test to see whether they are attracted to magnets.

Content guidance

  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these objects are metal?
Correct answer: bicycle chain
tree trunk
toy building bricks
Correct answer: kitchen foil
Q2.
Match the material to the property.
Correct Answer:play dough,squashable

squashable

Correct Answer:glass,transparent

transparent

Correct Answer:metal,shiny

shiny

Q3.
What is the word for a force that moves an object further away?
Correct Answer: push
Q4.
Match the type of force to the activity.
Correct Answer:ringing a doorbell,push

push

Correct Answer:opening a drawer,pull

pull

Correct Answer:turning a bike pedal,push

push

Correct Answer:a tug of war competition,pull

pull

Q5.
When do contact forces take place?
when objects are close together but not touching each other
Correct answer: when objects are touching each other
when objects are a long way apart
Q6.
Which of these can forces do?
Correct answer: make something start moving
make something change material
Correct answer: make something stop moving
Correct answer: make something change direction

6 Questions

Q1.
Which material are all magnets made from?
An image in a quiz
plastic
glass
Correct answer: metal
wood
Q2.
Are all metals magnets?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: No, false, no, False, Not all metals are magnets.
Q3.
If an object is attracted to a magnet due to magnetic force, what does it do?
stay in the same place
Correct answer: move towards to the magnet
move away from the magnet
move around the magnet
Q4.
Name this rock which is a natural magnet.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: lodestone, Lodestone
Q5.
According to the ancient tale, why did Magnes the shepherd’s shoes stick to the rock?
An image in a quiz
the rock was lodestone which is a sticky rock
his shoes had nails in them which were sticky
Correct answer: the rock was was lodestone which attracted the nails in his shoes
Q6.
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?
he thought the smell of lodestone would scare off his enemies
Correct answer: 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

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