5-MAG-1

Outcomes

• Pupils understand that magnets exert forces on each other and other magentic materials. These forces can be magnetic attraction or repulsion
• Pupils can plot a magnetic field around one bar magnet and two bar magnets (attracting and repelling)
• Pupils can recall that iron, nickel and cobalt are elements can be magnetised when in a magnetic field and are known as ferromagnetic materials
• Pupils understand that the direction of a magnetic field line indicates the direction of the force on a test north pole placed in the field at that point
• Pupils can see that a uniform field can be created between to attracting bar magnets

Specification References

6.2 understand that magnets repel and attract other magnets and attract magnetic substances

6.3 describe the properties of magnetically hard and soft materials

6.4 understand the term ‘magnetic field line’

6.5 understand that magnetism is induced in some materials when they are placed in a magnetic field

6.6 describe experiments to investigate the magnetic field pattern for a permanent bar magnet and that between two bar magnets

6.7 describe how to use two permanent magnets to produce a uniform magnetic field pattern.

Starter

Using the mini white boards, ask the pupils to draw a magnetic field around a bar magnet. Identify the two main points about drawing a magnetic field- the lines are continuous, they do not cross and they have arrows. Develop into a discussion about the direction of the arrows and what causes a magnet to have a magnetic field.

Main Body of Lesson

• Pupils need to be able to plot field lines using plotting compasses. They should do this for a bar magnet on its own and attracting and repelling magnets too if there is time.

• Pupils predict and then create the magnetic field around arrangements of bar magnets using this worksheet. Magnetic field patterns are created by placing the magnets under a piece of blank white paper and then sprinkling iron filings over the paper. Identify neutral points on diagrams. Discuss the spacing of the lines- the closer together the stronger the magnetic field strength. Pupils need to know about induced magnetism in different materials, hence the last 2 examples.

• Use mini turntables or upturned watch glasses to show that N and N repel, S and S repel but N and S attract.

• Discuss the general shape of the Earth's magnetic field and what other elements found in the Earth are ferromagnetic.

Plenary

• A short clip looking at the Earth's magnetic field.
• On the NASA web site there is a reasonable clip about solar storms called Solar Particles and Earth's Magnetic Field.
• Use hovering paper clip to discuss the principles of magnetism covered in the lesson.

Homework

• Research into where magnets are uses in everyday life. 3 examples with explanations.

Additional Information

Textbook References

• Complete Physics pages 202-205.

Safety/Hazards

• Goggles must be worn whilst pupils are using iron filings.