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Lesson Note on Magnets and Magnetic Field: Key Terms and Types of Magnets for SS1 (SSS 1)

A lesson note on Magnets and Magnetic Field for SSS 1 covering magnetism, magnetic poles, magnetic field, materials and types of magnets.

ByPublishedJan 27, 2026Reading6 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Basic Electronics
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: Magnets and Magnetic Field
Subject Matter: Meaning of magnetism, magnetic poles, magnetic field, magnetic materials, temporary magnets, permanent magnets

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define magnetism.
  • Identify the two magnetic poles.
  • Explain what a magnetic field is.
  • List examples of magnetic materials.
  • Differentiate between temporary and permanent magnets.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of magnets in daily life.
  • Show interest in exploring magnetic phenomena.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Identify magnetic and non-magnetic materials from given samples.
  • Sketch the magnetic field lines around a bar magnet.

Social Domain:

  • Participate actively in class discussions about magnets.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Samples of magnetic materials (e.g., iron nails, paper clips, steel pins)
  • Samples of non-magnetic materials (e.g., wood, plastic, rubber)
  • Bar magnets and horseshoe magnets
  • Iron filings
  • Whiteboard/Blackboard and markers/chalk
  • Chart showing magnetic field lines

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental principles of magnetism, which is a common force in nature and technology. It enables pupils to identify how magnets work and their applications in everyday devices.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of forces and different types of materials from their previous science lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Magnets and Magnetic Field

Meaning of Magnetism

Magnetism is the property of certain materials to attract or repel other materials, especially those containing iron, nickel, or cobalt. It is a fundamental force of nature.

Magnetic Poles

Every magnet has two ends where its magnetic strength is concentrated. These ends are called magnetic poles.

The two types of magnetic poles are:

  • North Pole: The end of a magnet that points towards the Earth’s geographic North.
  • South Pole: The end of a magnet that points towards the Earth’s geographic South.

Like poles repel each other (North-North, South-South), while unlike poles attract each other (North-South).

Magnetic Field

A magnetic field is the region around a magnet where its magnetic force can be detected. It is an invisible field that exerts force on magnetic materials and other magnets.

Magnetic field lines are used to represent magnetic fields. These lines originate from the North Pole and end at the South Pole, forming continuous loops outside the magnet.

Magnetic Materials

Magnetic materials are substances that are strongly attracted by a magnet and can be easily magnetized.

The following are examples of magnetic materials:

  • Iron
  • Nickel
  • Cobalt
  • Steel (an alloy of iron)

Temporary Magnets

Temporary magnets are materials that become magnetized only when they are in a magnetic field or near a permanent magnet. They lose their magnetism quickly once the external magnetic field is removed.

Examples of temporary magnets include:

  • Iron nails
  • Paper clips
  • Soft iron cores in electromagnets

Permanent Magnets

Permanent magnets are materials that retain their magnetism even after being removed from a magnetic field. They are made from materials that are difficult to magnetize but, once magnetized, stay magnetic for a long time.

Examples of permanent magnets include:

  • Steel
  • Alnico (an alloy of Aluminium, Nickel, and Cobalt)
  • Neodymium magnets

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them if they have ever observed objects sticking to a refrigerator or how a compass works. The teacher then introduces the topic “Magnets and Magnetic Field.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the topic introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand the lesson’s relevance.

Step 2: Meaning of Magnetism

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines magnetism and demonstrates with a bar magnet attracting iron filings. The teacher explains that magnetism is a force.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and write down the definition of magnetism.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept of magnetism.

Step 3: Magnetic Poles

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that every magnet has two poles, North and South. Using two bar magnets, the teacher demonstrates attraction between unlike poles and repulsion between like poles, asking pupils to observe and describe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify the two types of magnetic poles and their interactions.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about magnetic poles and their interactive properties.

Step 4: Magnetic Field

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visualisation/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a magnetic field is. Using a bar magnet and iron filings on a piece of paper, the teacher demonstrates how to visualize magnetic field lines. The teacher also shows a chart illustrating magnetic field patterns.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and chart, and understand how magnetic fields are represented.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of a magnetic field and its representation.

Step 5: Magnetic Materials

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Classification/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines magnetic materials and presents various samples (iron nails, paper clips, wood, plastic). The teacher asks pupils to test which materials are attracted to a magnet and which are not. The teacher then lists examples of magnetic materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in testing the materials and list examples of magnetic materials.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and list magnetic materials.

Step 6: Temporary and Permanent Magnets

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Differentiation/Comparison
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the difference between temporary and permanent magnets, giving examples for each. The teacher may demonstrate how to make a temporary magnet by stroking an iron nail with a permanent magnet.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and note down the differences and examples.
Learning Point: Pupils can differentiate between temporary and permanent magnets.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. Define magnetism.
  2. List three examples of magnetic materials.
  3. State two differences between temporary and permanent magnets.
  4. Describe what happens when two like poles of magnets are brought together.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson. The teacher then gives pupils an assignment: “List five everyday uses of magnets.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

  • Magnetism – The property of certain materials to attract or repel other materials.
  • Magnetic Poles – The ends of a magnet where its magnetic strength is strongest (North and South).
  • Magnetic Field – The region around a magnet where its magnetic force can be detected.
  • Magnetic Materials – Substances attracted by a magnet (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt).
  • Temporary Magnets – Magnets that lose their magnetism quickly after the magnetizing force is removed.
  • Permanent Magnets – Magnets that retain their magnetism for a long period.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research and present on electromagnets. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance and simpler demonstrations, focusing on identifying magnetic materials and poles.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that actual magnetic materials and magnets are available for demonstration. Encourage pupils to participate in hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of magnetism. Emphasize safety when handling magnets.

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Lesson Note on Magnets and Magnetic Field: Key Terms and Types of Magnets for SS1 (SSS 1)
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