Science KS 3 Unit 8J Magnets and Electromagnets

In this unit pupils:

• identify magnetic materials, make a magnet and test the strength of a magnet.
• use the concepts of a magnetic field, a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.
• investigate factors affecting the strength of an electromagnet.
• explain the working of a number of devices that use magnets and electromagnets.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• use scientific knowledge and understanding to make predictions about the behaviour of magnets and magnetic material.
• use preliminary work to find out whether an approach is practicable.
• investigate the strength of an electromagnet, controlling relevant variables and evaluating the limitations of the data collected.

This unit is expected to take approximately 7 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• sheets of magnetic material, eg.. steel, nickel
• materials for making permanent magnets and electromagnets
• secondary sources on the discovery of the Earth's magnetic field