Magnets and electromagnets
Teaching Guidance
for 11-14
It's all magnetism
Wrong Track: Bar magnets are different to electromagnets, it's a different kind of magnetism.
Right Lines: Permanent magnets and electromagnets give rise to the exactly same kind of magnetic force.
Making the connection
Thinking about the learning
An electromagnet certainly looks quite different to a permanent bar magnet. It is therefore understandable that learners might believe that the two sources produce quite different kinds of magnetism.
Thinking about the teaching
When moving on from permanent magnets to electromagnets it is worth emphasising the point that you are exploring a new way of producing the same kind of magnetic effect. Avoid giving the impression that you are starting a brand new topic.
