You Will Need
Provided Resources
- Ideas on magnetic games resource
Additional Resources
- Magnets
- Metal objects attracted to magnets
- Jars (one for each pair)
- Paper clips
- String
Magnets and metal
Science Year 1
This unit is part of
Year 1 Science Let's Build
Objectives
Play with magnets and explore their properties. Discover what's attracted to them and why. Create games using the magnets and metal objects in the classroom.
Science Objectives
i) Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made.
ii) Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water and rock.
iii) Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials.
iv) Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties.
Working Scientifically
- Ask simple questions and recognise that they can be answered in different ways.
- Observe closely, using simple equipment.
- Perform simple tests.
- Identify and classify.
- Use their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
- Gather and record data to help answer questions.
Lesson Planning
Teaching
- Explore a variety of different magnets and objects (both magnetic and non-magnetic), including paperclips in jars/bowls of water.
- Consider challenges such as: Can you get the paperclip out of the water without getting your hands wet? Are different magnets able to hold the same amount of paper clips?
- Discuss the properties of metal objects and why some metals stick to magnets.
Activities
- Discuss, during exploration, and articulate what they already know about magnets.
- Understand that not all metals are magnetic.
- Complete a challenge with a magnet and create their own magnetic games.
Investigation - exploring, problem solving
Create games in the classroom using the magnets, such as a fishing game, magnetic maps (magnet under a piece of paper and a paperclip), moving magnets without touching them, strength test with different magnets.
Vocabulary
Magnetic, non-magnetic, metal, materials, properties