Putting magnets together: attract or repel
I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
Putting magnets together: attract or repel
I can predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Magnets have two poles: north-seeking and south-seeking
- Opposite poles on a magnet attract each other
- The same poles on a magnet repel each other
- Scientists make predictions based on results from previous investigations
Keywords
Poles - Every magnet has two poles and on bar magnet, these are at opposite ends of the magnet.
Attract - To attract something is to make it move closer.
Repel - To repel something is to make it move further away.
Opposite - Opposite means on the other side from something or facing something.
Prediction - A prediction is a statement saying what you think will happen.
Common misconception
Magnetic poles may exist singly not just in pairs.
Explicit teaching and examples will be used to address misconceptions.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Putting magnets together: attract or repel, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Putting magnets together: attract or repel, 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
Bar magnets, post-it notes, elastic bands and a hole punch.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
attracted
not attracted
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the opposite poles of magnets
the same poles of magnets
