Science·Forces & Motion·conceptual
Magnetic Materials
Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
Suggested ages 7–8
Learning journey
Your child is exploring forces around them — discovering how magnets work, understanding that some forces need contact while others work at a distance, and investigating how different surfaces affect how things move.
Evidence of understanding
- Demonstrate that magnets attract some materials (iron, steel, nickel) but not others (wood, plastic, copper)
- Show that two magnets can either attract (pull together) or repel (push apart)
- Test at least six objects and correctly predict which are magnetic
Assessment prompt
Can Magnetic Materials test a magnet on different objects around the house and predict which ones will stick?
Standards alignment
Y3.Sci.FM.3GB · uk-nc-2013
Magnetic attraction and repulsion
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Y3.Sci.FM.4GB · uk-nc-2013
Grouping magnetic materials
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2