Many students think magnets stick to specific objects instead of understanding the attractive force that acts at a distance or through intervening materials

Electricity and Magnetism

Misconception RESEARCH REVIEW

Resources to Address This

  • Hanging with magnetism! (11-14)

    Begin magnetism lessons with this demonstration illustrating magnetic action-at-a-distance. Experiment by inserting various materials between the magnet and the hanger to explore shielding effects. For example, the hanger falls when a magnetic sheet is placed in the gap.

    View Resource

References

  • Preston, C. () Effect of a Science Diagram on Primary Students’ Understanding About Magnets. Research in Science Education, 46 (6), 857-877.

  • Haupt, G. W. () Concepts of magnetism held by elementary school children. Science Education, 36 (3), 162-168.

  • Van Hook, S. J. and Huziak-Clark, T. L. () Tip-to-Tail: Developing a Conceptual Model of Magnetism with Kindergartners Using Inquiry-Based Instruction. Journal of Elementary Science Education, 19 (2), 45-58.

  • Finley, F. N. () Evaluating instruction: The complementary use of clinical interviews. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 23 (17), 635-650.

RelatedMisconceptions
RESEARCH REVIEW Electricity and Magnetism

Many students struggle to predict if a potential difference will be induced in a wire moving in a magnetic field

  • Number of Resources2
  • Number of References4
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
RESEARCH REVIEW Electricity and Magnetism

Some students begin to think of magnets ‘pulling on’ objects and to be aware of action at a distance

  • Number of Resources3
  • Number of References2
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
RESEARCH REVIEW Electricity and Magnetism

Few students can say in words what the physical quantity measured by a voltmeter is

  • Number of Resources3
  • Number of References2
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources0
Limit Less Campaign

Support our manifesto for change

The IOP wants to support young people to fulfil their potential by doing physics. Please sign the manifesto today so that we can show our politicians there is widespread support for improving equity and inclusion across the education sector.

Sign today