Magnetism and Earth's magnetic field
Invisible magnetic fields point compass needles north, and the same effect can be created just by running a current through a wire.
Part of your national curriculum
- Physics: electricity and magnetism: Understand magnetic fields, including Earth's magnetism, compasses and the magnetic effect of a current
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Understand magnetic fields, including Earth's magnetism, compasses and the magnetic effect of a current
Key learning points
- • Magnetic fields
- • Earth's magnetism and compasses
- • The magnetic effect of a current
This lesson at a glance
- 24 minutes
- 17 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 17
Visual introductionPicture this
Magnetism and Earth's magnetic field
Invisible magnetic fields point compass needles north, and the same effect can be created just by running a current through a wire.
In a nutshell
Understand magnetic fields, including Earth's magnetism, compasses and the magnetic effect of a current
Learning cycle
Part 2 of 17
Learning cycle 1 of 2
Part 1 · Magnetic fields
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 17
Learn
Magnetic fields
A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where a magnetic material or another magnet experiences a force. Field lines run from the north pole to the south pole outside the magnet, and are closest together (strongest) near the poles.
Reset break
Part 4 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Explore the idea
Part 5 of 17
Learn
Earth's magnetism and compasses
The Earth behaves like a giant bar magnet, generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core. A compass needle is a small magnet that aligns with Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards Earth's magnetic north.
Quick check
Part 6 of 17
Quick check
Part 7 of 17
Reset break
Part 8 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Learning cycle
Part 9 of 17
Learning cycle 2 of 2
Part 2 · The magnetic effect of a current
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 10 of 17
Learn
The magnetic effect of a current
A current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field around it. Coiling the wire into a solenoid concentrates this field, and adding an iron core creates a stronger electromagnet — the basis of devices like electric bells, motors and cranes for lifting scrap metal.
Quick check
Part 11 of 17
Reset break
Part 12 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 3 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 13 of 17
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 14 of 17
Game · Fill the gaps
Finish the sentences
Choose the word that belongs in each gap.
A ____ field is the region around a magnet where a magnetic material or another magnet experiences a force.
Challenge round
Part 15 of 17
Game · Recall cards
Which way do magnetic field lines run outside a bar magnet?
Card 1 of 3
Mastery quiz
Part 16 of 17
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Magnetism and Earth's magnetic field
3 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Which way do magnetic field lines run outside a bar magnet?
2. What causes Earth's magnetic field?
3. How can you make an electromagnet stronger?
Lesson round-up
Part 17 of 17
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
Quiz score
Not sat
Games
Not played
Points this lesson
0
Best run
0 in a row
Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 17 · Watch & discover
How this is going
- Not looked at yet
Understand magnetic fields, including Earth's magnetism, compasses and the magnetic effect of a current