Science·Forces & Motion·conceptual
Magnetic Fields
Describe magnetic poles (north and south), explain attraction and repulsion between poles, describe magnetic field lines plotted using a compass, and explain the Earth's magnetic field and its practical uses
Suggested ages 11–12
Evidence of understanding
- States the rule for attraction and repulsion of magnetic poles
- Draws the magnetic field pattern around a bar magnet from memory or compass readings
- Explains why a compass needle points north
- Explains that the Earth has a magnetic field and describes how it is used for navigation
Assessment prompt
If Magnetic Fields used a compass and iron filings to map the magnetic field around a bar magnet, could they describe what pattern the field lines make and explain why a compass needle always points roughly north?
Standards alignment
MS-PS2-5US · ngss-ms
MS-PS2-5
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School
KS3.Sci.Phys.MotionAndForces.8GB · uk-nc-2013
Magnetic Poles and Fields
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3