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Australian primary science · Year 4 · Lesson 4 of 4
Magnet magic
Inquiry question: Can a magnet pull without touching?
Check practical materials
Observing
What students learn
Magnets attract some metals and can push or pull other magnets without touching. Magnetic and electrostatic forces can both act without contact; they are different forces.
Success criteria
- I can sort objects that a magnet attracts.
- I can show a magnet works through paper.
- I can compare magnetic and electrostatic forces using evidence.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know forces are pushes and pulls (lesson 1).
- Bar magnets — 13 pairs
- Test objects: paper clip, coin, foil, nail, plastic spoon, eraser, key, can (steel) — 13 sets
- Sheets of paper and card — 13
- Magnet keepers — 13
- Plastic ruler and dry wool cloth (teacher demonstration) — 1 of each
- Small scraps from the existing sheets of paper — 1 small handful
Teacher setup
- Check steel and aluminium items so results are clear.
Safety and adaptations
- Keep magnets away from phones, cards and computers.
- Small magnets are not toys: no mouths.
- The teacher rubs the ruler with cloth away from devices; use no mains electricity or balloons.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Predict which objects the magnet will attract.
- Test each object and record yes or no.
- Put paper, then card, between the magnet and a paper clip. Does it still pull?
- Try two magnets: find attract and repel.
- Teacher demonstration: bring an unrubbed plastic ruler near small paper scraps, rub it with dry wool, then bring it near again without touching. Compare with the magnet near paper and a steel clip. Record the material, change and observation.
Teacher modelling prompt
Hold a magnet near a paper clip without touching: “It jumped to the magnet. No touching, but it moved. That is a non-contact force.”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: What does a magnet attract, and does it work without touching?
| Object | Prediction | Attracted? (yes / no) |
|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Which claim matches our evidence better?
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What is a non-contact force? Give an example.
Explain with evidence: How do our magnet and rubbed-ruler observations show forces can act without contact? Are they the same force?
Apply the idea: A recycling plant must separate steel cans from aluminium cans. How could a magnet help?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.