1. Forces and Magnets – Block 3FM
Science - Year 3
Forces and Magnets – Block 3FM
Amazing Magnets
Session 3
Teaching PowerPoint
© Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users.
We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.

2. Here are 12 everyday classroom items
You may think that some would be attracted to magnets whilst others would not
Let’s play a guessing game!

3. Attractive objects
Guessing Game

4. Your teacher has 12 objects in a tray
Your teacher has 12 objects in a tray. Your task is to guess which will be attracted to a magnet and which will not.
Look down the list of objects on your sheet. Put a tick in the middle column beside all the objects you think will be attracted to a magnet and a cross beside all the objects that you think will not.

5. Don’t worry if some of your objects look different to the ones in the picture, your teacher will show you the one you will be testing. Make your guess on the actual object in the tray.

6. Testing your objects
Once you have made all your guesses, it’s time to test the objects.
Take turns to dangle a strong magnet on a string over the tray – a bit like fishing in a pond! See what you catch!
If an object is attracted to the magnet, it will lift out of the tray. Tick that object in the right hand column. When no more objects will pick up, put crosses against the objects left in the tray.
Do this now.

7. Congratulations! Great guessing
Let’s find out how well you did!
Congratulations! Great guessing
Stand up everyone who got 8 or more correct
Stay standing everyone who got 10 or more correct
Wow! That’s really impressive!
Stay standing everyone who got all 12 correct
Pure Genius!

8. Remember scientists are always asking the question “Why?”
Why were some objects attracted to the magnet when others were not?
Discuss your ideas.
Then write your theory at the bottom of your sheet

9. Materials that are attracted to magnets are said to be magnetic.
Other materials are said to be non-magnetic.

10. Write any new questions you have on cards.?
Can you think of any new questions you would like to investigate on magnetic and non magnetic materials?
Write any new questions you have on cards.

11. Here are some questions you could investigate:
Which materials are magnetic?
Are any coins magnetic? If so, which ones?
How can you tell a magnet from a magnetic material?