Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Describe what a magnet is and identify magnetic materials.
• Demonstrate at least two methods of making simple magnets.
• Explain the applications of magnets in everyday life.
• Present findings on the uses of magnetic force.

Lesson summary

In JHS Science, Force and Motion includes forces we cannot always see but can observe through their effects. Magnetic force is one of these forces. In Ghana, magnets are used in everyday life: magnetic door catches, speakers in radios and phones, electric bells/alarms, compasses for direction, and in industry for separating iron from sand or scrap. This lesson focuses on the indicator B8.4.4.1.1: Demonstrate simple ways of making magnets—so learners will *actually make magnets* using simple methods and explain how they work.

Lesson notes

A. What is a magnet? A magnet is an object that: Attracts magnetic materials such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt. Has two ends called poles: North (N) and South (S). Produces a magnetic field around it (an invisible region where magnetic force acts).

Key facts about poles Like poles repel: N repels N, S repels S Unlike poles attract: N attracts S Poles always come in pairs. If you cut a bar magnet into two, each piece still has N and S. B. Magnetic vs non-magnetic materials Magnetic materials: iron nail, steel pin, razor blade, paper clip, iron filings. Non-magnetic materials: aluminium pot (usually weakly magnetic/not attracted in class test), copper wire, plastic ruler, wood, glass, rubber.

Simple classroom test: Bring a bar magnet near each object and observe attraction. C. Types of magnets (useful for understanding “making magnets”) Permanent magnets: keep their magnetism for a long time (e.g., bar magnet). Temporary magnets: act like magnets only for a short time (e.g., soft iron magnetised briefly). Electromagnets: magnets made by electric current in a coil of wire.

> In general, steel makes a better permanent magnet than soft iron because it “keeps” magnetism longer. Soft iron magnetises easily but loses magnetism easily (good for electromagnets).

Evaluation guide

• Produce magnets (using magnetic materials such as pieces of iron and
• bar magnet
• and electricity).
• Demonstrate some application of magnetic force in domestic and