Page 12 - FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE; EXPLORING GOD’S UNIVERSE

Science Y6 – Electricity – week 3

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

Truth to Teach (Source)

 When electricity flows through a coil of wire which is wrapped around an iron or steel nail, the nail turns into a
magnet.

 Temporary and permanent magnets.

Way to Work (Means)

Equipment: Magnets, wires, batteries, bulbs, switches, steel nails, iron nails, paper clips

1. Review the previous lessons.

2. Talk about Hans Ørsted who discovered that electricity flowing through a wire near to a compass needle made
the needle turn away from the north/south direction. Later, scientists have discovered lots of links between
magnetism and electricity.

When electricity flows through a coil of wire which is wrapped around an iron or steel nail, the nail turns into a
magnet. The electricity passing through the tight coils of the wire creates a strong magnetic force. The magnetic
particles in the nail are lined up by the force so it is turned into a magnet.

3. Talk about permanent and temporary magnets. If the nail used is made of iron, it will be a temporary magnet
because once the electricity supply is cut off the nail is no longer magnetic. If the nail is made of steel it will be
a permanent magnet, even when the electricity is cut off.

4. Let the children work in groups to create an electro-magnet.

5. Gather back to share results and conclusions.

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

The children will have learnt how to make temporary and permanent electro-magnets.

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