Science at key stage 3 (Year 8)
Unit 8J: Magnets and electromagnets
Section 8: d. What is a magnetic field?
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Objectives |
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- that the direction of the magnetic field can be plotted using compasses
- that the magnetic field lines can show the direction of the magnetic field
- to convert ideas presented orally into diagrammatic form
- to make and test predictions based on their scientific knowledge
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Elicit pupils' ideas about what would happen if you put a magnetic compass near a magnet and at various positions around the magnet. Invite them to generate a diagram which predicts where the compass needle will point at each position around the magnet.
- Ask pupils to test their ideas by plotting the field direction with correctly magnetised compasses and to decide how far their predictions are supported.
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- extend the model of magnetic field lines to represent the direction of the field
- present their predictions and observations diagrammatically
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Points to note |
- Pupils often think that a compass will point directly towards a magnet from all positions.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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