Forces and Magnets
Unit Summary
This unit ‘Forces and magnets’ takes children through six lessons where they learn how to: compare how things move on different surfaces; notice that some forces need contact between 2 objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance; and observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others. Children learn how to 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 2 poles and they learn how to predict whether 2 magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing.
The lessons have been written in sequence and are designed to challenge children to recall the knowledge and skills they have covered in the previous lesson(s). This is the first time children are being introduced to forces and magnets.
This unit has been written by
Clare Faulkner
Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!
In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!
Dr Shannon Weldon
Shannon started her journey with Developing Experts by completing PHD placement while studying for her Doctorate in Developmental Biology at the University of East Anglia. Shannon has since joined the team full-time as a Project Manager working with the company's industry partners. Shannon knows a lot about chickens!
Heather Bingham
Heather qualified with a first-class honours degree in climate science from the University of East Anglia. Since, she has joined Developing Experts as a writer and presenter, specialising in earth and environmental sciences.
She is also an internationally published science author, having written a series of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) digital textbooks aimed at improving learners’ understanding of English whilst igniting an interest in science.
Katie Barrie
Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.
In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.
Contact: [email protected]
Sarah Mintey MBE
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Lessons
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring
Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Skill - Making predictions
Using prior knowledge to make informed suggestions on what may happen in a scientific enquiry.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Approach - Identifying, grouping & classifying
Using observations, data and findings to name, label and organise items in a variety of ways.
Enquiry Skill - Recording data, results and findings
Using tables, a variety of graphs, labelled diagrams and models to record observations, measurements, results and findings.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Enquiry Approach - Comparative / fair testing
Conducting a test that controls all but one variable to answer a scientific question.
Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving
Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.
Enquiry Skill - Observing and measuring
Using the senses and taking measurements, using a range of equipment, to make observations about a scientific enquiry.