1 - Getting Started ~3 mins
Listen: at the recycling centre, a big magnet swings over a pile of rubbish. Some things jump up. Some stay behind. Why do only some things stick?
Today we will test lots of things with our own magnets and sort them: the magnet pulls it, or it does not.
2 - Look and Wonder ~3 mins
Today we sort in two ways: the magnet pulls it, or it does not.
Watch the object I hold up. Thumbs up if you think the magnet will pull it. Thumbs down if you think it will not. Guesses are the start of the fun, never wrong.
3 - Test with Magnets ~6 mins
At your table, take one object at a time. Hold the chunky magnet near it. Does it pull? Keep magnets away from mouths. When you have tested, leave the object on the tray ready for sorting.
4 - Sort Into Hoops ~5 mins
Now sort. One hoop is for things the magnet pulls. One hoop is for things it does not. Say the reason as you place each one: the magnet pulls it, or it does not.
5 - What Do We Notice? ~3 mins
Look at the hoop where the magnet pulled things. Look carefully and touch gently. Do many of them feel hard and shiny, a bit like a spoon or a nail?
When I say your name, tell the class one thing you notice.
Unlock the full learning experience
You're previewing this lesson. Get full access to this lesson and hundreds more — each one ready to teach, with interactive activities, printable resources and pupil progress tracking built in.
This lesson is copyright of DigitalSkills.org 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.