Year 3 Science Block 2

Year 3 Topic – Forces and Magnets

This unit explores forces, friction, and magnetism through hands-on experiments, practical challenges and scientific enquiry. Pupils learn to compare how objects move on different surfaces, investigate magnetic materials, and understand how magnets attract and repel.

Lessons are approximately 75 minutes long and should be taught in sequence. It’s ideal for introducing Key Stage 2 science enquiry and can be taught at any point during the school year.

View small steps and unit outcomes

Small steps

  • Can we explain how objects move on different surfaces?
  • What are non-contact forces?
  • Is it magnetic?
  • Is this the strongest magnet?
  • Can we find another way to investigate?
  • Can we solve challenges using magnets?

Unit Outcomes (secure)

Forces

  • Compare how things move on different surfaces

Magnets

  • Notice that some forces need contact between two objects, but magnetic forces can act at a distance
  • Observe how magnets attract or repel each other and attract some materials and not others
  • Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of whether they are attracted to a magnet, and identify some magnetic materials
  • Describe magnets as having two poles
  • Predict whether two magnets will attract or repel each other, depending on which poles are facing

Working scientifically

  • Ask relevant questions and use different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
  • Make systematic and careful observations and, where appropriate, take accurate measurements
  • Gather, record, classify and present data in a variety of ways to help answer questions
  • Record findings using simple scientific language, drawings, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts and tables
  • Report on findings from enquiries, including oral and written explanations, displays or presentations

Year 3 Forces and Magnets Science Unit – Complete KS2 Lesson Pack

Explore movement, friction, and magnetism with our Year 3 Forces and Magnets science unit. This full KS2 science scheme includes editable PowerPoints, differentiated worksheets, and practical investigation tasks, all aligned with the KS2 science National Curriculum.

What’s included?

  • Interactive Year 3 science PowerPoint slides
  • Differentiated worksheets using a 1-star to 3-star system
  • Knowledge organisers with key vocabulary
  • Hands-on magnet investigations and friction experiments
  • Built-in assessment opportunities and teacher guidance

Scientific enquiry skills

Pupils will work scientifically by:

  • Carrying out fair tests using magnets and surfaces
  • Making predictions and gathering results
  • Presenting findings using tables, charts and scientific language

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Year 3 science topic on forces and magnets, pupils will be able to:

  • Compare how objects move on different surfaces
  • Describe the difference between contact and non-contact forces
  • Test which materials are magnetic and compare magnet strength
  • Use magnets to solve challenges using scientific thinking

Lesson format

Every lesson follows a familiar format for consistency and ease of use:

  • Whole-class input – interactive PowerPoint
  • Hands-on activity – exploring forces and magnets
  • Independent task – 3-way differentiated worksheet
  • Reflection – share findings and conclusions

Why choose our Year 3 science resources?

  • Follows all Year 3 forces and magnets National Curriculum objectives
  • Engaging, age-appropriate investigations
  • Time-saving editable teaching resources
  • No year group labels – suitable for mixed-age classes

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