This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow Science scheme of work. You’ve probably seen magnets like this before, but magnets come in lots of different shapes and sizes – bar, horseshoe, button, and ring. Do you think different magnets have different strengths? Let’s find out by doing a pattern-seeking inquiry.

To test the strength of each magnet, we add paperclips in a chain. The strongest magnet will hold the most. In pattern-seeking inquiries, we change one variable to see how it affects another. Some things, like the amount or type of metal in each magnet, can’t be controlled – but that’s okay. You just need to spot patterns. Start with the bar magnet and record how many paperclips it holds. Then try the button, horseshoe, and ring magnets. Make sure your table is complete and your results are counted carefully. What pattern can you spot in your data?

The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of Science, key stage 2, Year 3, Forces and space: Forces and magnets, Lesson 5: Investigating magnet strength