P3 have been learning about magnets as part of our Science topic. To begin with we took part in an experiment where we used magnets to find objects which were magnetic. Using a tub of water, we placed in paperclips, coins, steel balls, rubbers, pencils and other objects. We then used our magnets to see which of the objects were magnetic. In the end we discovered paperclips, coins and steel balls as well as spoons were all magnetic.

We played a game called north and south. This allowed us to understand the two different poles of a magnet (north and south). We were each given a label which said either north or south. The whole class moved around the classroom until Mr Fry would shout ‘attract’ or ‘repel’, we then needed to pair up with another person (north with south or south with north = attract) (north with north or south with south = repel). This was great fun!

We learnt Maglev trains use electromagnets to move. Using a magnetic field and electricity the train, which is used China, floats above the track and moves people around quickly from station to station. This is good for the environment as it is a quiet train and does not pollute the air.

We used our prediction skills to guess which objects around the classroom would be magnetic or non-magnetic. Working as a group, we used a horseshoe magnet to see if the object would be attracted to the magnet. Most of our predictions turned out be correct.

We’ve had great fun learning all about magnets in P3!!!

by Zac, Inaaya and Mr Fry.