Active learning ideas
Magnetism is a fundamental force that students explore through the properties of magnetic poles and fields. They learn that like poles repel and unlike poles attract, and they use plotting compasses to map the invisible magnetic field lines around a bar magnet. The curriculum distinguishes between permanent magnets, which produce their own magnetic field, and induced magnets, which only become magnetic when placed in a field.
Activity 01
Pairs use a bar magnet and multiple small plotting compasses to trace the magnetic field lines on a large sheet of paper. they must ensure the arrows always point from North to South.
How do magnetic poles interact?
Activity 02
Students visit stations with various mystery metals. They must use a magnet to identify which are magnetic and then determine if they are permanent or induced magnets based on their behaviour.
What is the difference between a permanent and an induced magnet?
Activity 03
Students are shown a diagram of the Earth's magnetic field. They must discuss with a partner why a compass points North and what would happen if the Earth's magnetic poles flipped.
How can we visualise a magnetic field?
Templates
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A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
All metals are magnetic.
Many students think aluminium or copper are magnetic. A hands-on 'sorting' activity with various metal samples quickly corrects this by showing that only a few specific metals respond to a magnet.
Magnetic field lines actually exist as physical wires.
Clarify that field lines are just a mathematical way to represent the strength and direction of the force. Using iron filings helps students see the 'pattern' without thinking the lines are solid objects.
Methods used in this brief
Electromagnetism
Students investigate how electric currents produce magnetic fields and how solenoids enhance this effect. The topic covers the construction and uses of electromagnets.
8 methodologies
The Motor Effect
An exploration of the forces exerted on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. Students will use Fleming's left-hand rule to predict the direction of force and understand how electric motors work.
8 methodologies