Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 3 Science Guides

Year 3 - Science

Using magnets to solve problems (non-statutory: Scientists and Engineers)

Simple forces including magnets

Unit Summary

This unit explores how objects move on different surfaces and examines magnetic forces, including attraction, repulsion, and magnetic materials. It covers identifying magnetic poles and predicting interactions and emphasizes practical tests, observations, and presenting findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to give examples of how engineers use results of science to design solutions and help solve everyday problems.

Key Notes

  • Humans have found magnets to be useful in their everyday lives
  • Everyday uses of magnets include compasses, electronic devices and games
  • Maglev trains do not use an engine because they move forwards using magnets, similar to some roller coasters
  • Engineers design and build things, using their knowledge of maths and science
  • Men and women can become different types of engineer. They need to be curious, creative and observant

Vocabulary To Learn

  • everyday uses: Everyday uses are the ways in which we use things in our lives such as using a kettle to heat water.
  • electronic devices: Electronic devices are machines of pieces of equipment that are powered by electricity, like computers and phones.
  • Maglev train: A Maglev train is a type of high-speed train which uses magnets to reduce friction forces and to move.
  • engineer: An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.
  • design: To design something is to make a plan and a drawing describing how it could be built.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Engineers are only men and just like to repair or fix things.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Humans have found magnets to be useful in their everyday lives. Everyday uses of magnets include compasses, electronic devices and games.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'everyday uses'

Everyday uses are the ways in which we use things in our lives such as using a kettle to heat water. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Engineers are only men and just like to repair or fix things. Correction: Explicit teaching and discussion of the range of engineers and the different skills engineers need.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 Science guide library.