Year 3 Forces and Magnets - Activities

Covers: Activity Resources Relation to National Curriculum Downloads
Activity One - Investigating Forces Push Or Pull

Activity 1

Investigating Forces Push Or Pull

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.8 identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
  • Sc3/4.2b notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance
Activity Two - Travelling On Different Surfaces Investigation

Activity 2

Travelling On Different Surfaces Investigation

  • Ma3/3.1a measure, compare, add and subtract: lengths (m/cm/mm)
  • Sc3/1 working scientifically
  • Sc2/4.2a compare how things move on different surfaces
Activity Three - Magnetic Poles

Activity 3

Magnetic Poles

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.4 gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering question
  • Sc3/1.6 reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
  • Sc3/1.8 identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
  • Sc3/1.9 using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2e describe magnets as having 2 poles
  • Sc3/4.2f predict whether 2 magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing
Activity Four - Is It Magnetic Investigation

Activity 4

Is It Magnetic Investigation

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.4 gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering question
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2d compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials
Activity Five - Make A Compass

Activity 5

Make A Compass

  • Ge2/1.4b use the 8 points of a compass
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2e describe magnets as having 2 poles

Activity Six - Magnet Maze

Activity 6

Magnet Maze

  • Sc3/4.2b notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
Activity 1 - Investigating Forces Push Or Pull

Activity 1

Investigating Forces Push Or Pull

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.8 identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
  • Sc3/4.2b notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance

Downloads:

Activity 2 - Travelling On Different Surfaces Investigation

Activity 2

Travelling On Different Surfaces Investigation

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Ma3/3.1a measure, compare, add and subtract: lengths (m/cm/mm)
  • Sc3/1 working scientifically
  • Sc2/4.2a compare how things move on different surfaces

Downloads:

Activity 3 - Magnetic Poles

Activity 3

Magnetic Poles

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.4 gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering question
  • Sc3/1.6 reporting on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations of results and conclusions
  • Sc3/1.8 identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
  • Sc3/1.9 using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2e describe magnets as having 2 poles
  • Sc3/4.2f predict whether 2 magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing

Downloads:

Activity 4 - Is It Magnetic Investigation

Activity 4

Is It Magnetic Investigation

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Sc3/1.1 asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Sc3/1.2 setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
  • Sc3/1.4 gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering question
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2d compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials

Downloads:

Activity 5 - Make A Compass

Activity 5

Make A Compass

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Ge2/1.4b use the 8 points of a compass
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Sc3/4.2e describe magnets as having 2 poles

Downloads:


Activity 6 - Magnet Maze

Activity 6

Magnet Maze

Practical Resources:

Relation to Curriculum in England:

  • Sc3/4.2b notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance
  • Sc3/4.2c observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others

Downloads:

Forces and Magnets KS2 Science Topic

As a primary school teacher or home educator, teaching the key stage 2 science curriculum can be a daunting task. One area that students often find challenging is learning about forces and magnets. However, by incorporating hands-on science activities, you can make learning about magnetic poles and the apparent movement in magnetic forces both fun and engaging for your students.

One activity that students are sure to enjoy is creating a magnet maze. This activity involves using magnets to navigate a maze and can help students understand how magnetic forces work. In addition, making a compass is another fun and interactive way to teach students about magnetic poles and the Earth's magnetic field.

While hands-on activities are a great way to introduce students to the concept of forces and magnets, it's also important to provide them with written explanations. This will help them develop a deeper scientific understanding and identify scientific evidence. By drawing conclusions based on scientific enquiry, students will be able to apply their knowledge of forces and magnets to real-world situations.

In conclusion, teaching the key stage 2 science curriculum can be challenging, but by incorporating science activities that are both fun and informative, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding of forces and magnets. By providing written explanations and encouraging students to identify scientific evidence and draw conclusions based on scientific enquiry, you can help them become confident and successful scientists.

Another activity that can help students understand the concept of forces and motion is creating a balloon rocket. This activity involves attaching a string to a balloon and watching it move as the air escapes from the balloon. It can help students understand how forces can cause motion, as well as the different types of forces that can be involved. Additionally, building a simple pulley system can help students understand how forces can be used to lift heavy objects, and the concept of mechanical advantage.

It's also important to encourage students to ask questions and explore different scientific concepts on their own. By providing them with opportunities to conduct their own experiments and research, you can help them develop a love for science and a desire to learn more.

Overall, teaching forces and magnets can be a fun and exciting experience for both students and teachers. By incorporating hands-on activities, written explanations, and encouraging scientific enquiry, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding of these important scientific concepts.

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