Forces: Video playlist

A top scientist has invented super strong magnetic grippers. These allow a man to climb the outside of a steel tower. The magnetic grippers were funded by the military, who wanted to be able to scale tall buildings unaided. The actual mission for which they were intended remains top secret! Outside of military life, the magnetic grippers could be used for inspecting bridges, climbing towers or checking off-shore oil wells.

Students could explore the range of building materials that these super powerful magnets could be used on. They could begin by brainstorming, or walking around the local area and identifying the different materials that can be used in buildings and large structures such as bridges. Where possible, examples of these materials could then be collected in the classroom and students could make predictions about which ones the magnets will be attracted to. They could then use magnets to test their predictions and sort the materials into those which are magnetic and those which are not. They could then use their findings to make further predictions about magnetic materials around the classroom.

Ask students to discuss how magnets could be used in real life, recapping those presented in the clip. They could then be challenged to design and make a game which uses magnets to control, move or hold pieces.