Magnets - Lesson Plan

The lesson plan crafted by Mark Inder in 2021 revolves around the fascinating world of magnets, targeting the engagement of pupils in activities that explore magnetic forces. The objectives are clear: first, students are expected to describe magnetic attraction as a push and magnetic repulsion as a pull. Secondly, they should be able to identify that only certain metals are magnetically attracted, while non-metals are not. These learning outcomes set the stage for future studies in Year 3, where the focus will be on forces, including the concept of magnetic forces acting at a distance, grouping materials based on their magnetic properties, and understanding that magnets have two poles.

The lesson incorporates a variety of hands-on activities and experiments. Through teacher-led demonstrations, children will learn about pushes and pulls by moving a chair, thereby gaining a basic understanding of forces. In child-led activities, they will investigate the behaviour of bar magnets, observing the phenomena of attraction and repulsion. Further exploration will include determining which materials are magnetically attracted, with the use of everyday items such as paper clips and coins. To conclude, an engaging 'Magnet Fishing' game will reinforce the concept, and a plenary session will assess the pupils' grasp of the magnetic forces at play. Throughout the lesson, health and safety considerations are emphasised, and common misconceptions about magnets are addressed, ensuring a comprehensive and safe learning experience.