Magnetic poles
I can describe how magnets can attract magnetic materials, as well as attract and repel other magnets.
Magnetic poles
I can describe how magnets can attract magnetic materials, as well as attract and repel other 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 similar magnetic poles repel each other.
- Magnetic materials are attracted to both north–seeking and south–seeking magnetic poles.
- Just three metal elements (iron, cobalt and nickel) are magnetic; other metal and non–metal elements are not magnetic.
- A north–seeking pole will point towards the North Pole because Earth has a magnetic field.
Keywords
North–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the north
South–seeking magnetic pole - the end of a magnet that points to the south
Attract - a force that makes things move together
Magnetic field - an area where a magnetic pole will align in a particular direction
Repel - a force that makes things move apart
Common misconception
All metals are magnetic and an object with a static electric charge is magnetic.
Provide opportunities for pupils to test some metals that are not magnetic, and a balloon with a static electric charge with a magnet.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Magnetic poles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Magnetic poles, 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 3 science lessons from the Magnets and electromagnets unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Bar magnets and iron nails.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
