Forces: Video playlist

How do magnets help in a scrapyard? A car is made up of many different materials. When a car is scrapped, the different types of metals need to be sorted. A huge rotating magnet is used to sort the magnetic materials from the non-magnetic materials. Separating the materials allows them to be reused.

Students could be asked to recap how magnets are used in a scrapyard. They could then be asked to consider other practical applications magnetic force can have. Students could use magnets to sort metallic objects for recycling. A recycling bin could be set up in the classroom where students could collect cans, tins and other items. They could then use magnets to sort the items into those which are magnetic and those which are not. Students could then brainstorm other creative and fun uses for magnets.