Science at key stage 3    (Year 8)

• that magnets attract magnetic materials - iron, steel, nickel and cobalt, but not other metals - and magnetic iron oxide

• that like poles of a magnet repel and unlike poles attract
• that repulsion is the test of a magnet
• to use scientific knowledge to solve a problem
• to listen and evaluate the contributions of others

• that magnetic forces act through non-magnetic materials but not through magnetic materials

• that magnetic materials can be made into magnets by stroking them with the pole of a magnet
• about the reasons for repeating observations
• to use observations to draw conclusions
• how discussion helps clarify ideas

• that a freely moving magnet comes to rest pointing in a north-south direction
• that all magnets have a magnetic north-seeking pole and south-seeking pole

• what to take into account when deciding which equipment to use

• that the area of force around a magnet is called a magnetic field
• that the magnetic field around magnets can be shown using iron filings
• that magnetic field line patterns show the relative strength of magnetic fields

• 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

• to relate ideas about magnets and magnetism

• how to make and change the strength of an electromagnet
• to use their previous experience to decide whether a possible approach is practicable
• to consider how their methods of investigation could be improved

• how electromagnets are used in domestic and industrial devices, eg electric bells, lifting magnets, relays
• to use sources of information independently
• to present information concisely for an audience

• that wires carrying an electric current produce a magnetic field
• that the current in a coil produces a magnetic field pattern similar to that of a bar magnet
• that the strength of an electromagnet is increased by the presence of an iron core

• to summarise and make connections between key ideas