Forces & Magnets

Year 3 - Science - Autumn 2

Core Learning

Compare how things move on different surfaces.
Notice that some forces need contact between two objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance.
Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others.
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.
Describe magnets as having two poles.
Predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other depending on which poles are facing.

Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them.
Setting up simple practical enquiries, comparative and fair tests
Making systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, taking accurate measurements using standard units, using a range of equipment, including thermometers and data loggers
Gathering, recording, classifying and presenting data in a variety of ways to help in answering questions.
Recording findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts, and tables.
Using results to draw simple conclusions, make predictions for new values, suggest improvements and raise further questions
Identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes.
Using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

Year 3 is the first time children specifically learn about magnetic forces.

In Year 2, pupils learned about how materials change when various forces are applied.

In Year 6, pupils will learn about air and water resistance and the forces of gravity and friction.

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