8j. Magnets and Electromagnets

8j. Magnets and Electromagnets

1. 3e Magnets and springs

   • Explore a variety of magnets.
     • Notice that magnets can pull together or push each other away.
       • Hear the words attract/repel.
     • Make and test predictions about what will be attracted to/repelled by a magnet.
       • record materials that will be attracted
   • Explore school and see video of the way that magnets are used. E.g. door closes and fridge seals.
   • Can we design a test to see how strong a magnet is?

2. What can a magnet do?

   • Make a list of the items and materials around school that a magnate can/cannot attract.
   • Given 2 bar magnets and a similar looking bar, work out which is not a magnet.
     • Ask and answer questions about the method for achieving this with others.

3. Can magnetism be stopped?

   • Experiment with a number of materials, magnetic and non-magnetic to find which will allow a magnetic field to pass through and which will prevent it.
     • Pupils to suggest what each group of materials has in common.

4. Can magnets be made?

   • Use magnetic materials and magnetise them by stroking with a magnet.
     • Contribute to an experiment to determine the most effective magnet.

5. What is a magnetic field?

   • Use a magnetised pin and cork to float on water. Use ipad to check direction pin points.
     • Introduce the idea of a north-seeking pole and a south seeking pole, and that, allowed to move freely, will line up with the Earths magnetic field.
       • Use paper, iron filings and a bar magnet to find magnetic field lines.

6. Making a simple electromagnet.

   • Wrap insulated wire around a nail and attach it to a power source.
     • Try the test again without the nail.
       • Discuss ideas about why the strength is different.