Class 3 have had a fabulous afternoon taking part in a 'Magnetism Masterclass' with Mr.Hammond (Eleanor and Charlotte's grandfather). The class wrote to Mr.Hammond, who is a retired lecturer in science, when we first started our topic. We had lots of tricky questions we wanted answering about the mysterious force of magnetism and its connection with electricity.
Mr.Hammond read all of our letters and then created six activities to help us investigate the answers to our questions.
We learnt that the reason that not all metals are magnetic is connected to the spinning of electrons. Mr.Hammond had made models of atoms that we were able to spin to show us how the force moved in one direction.
Using static electricity we were able to explore atoms and their charge. We had great fun making each others hair stand on end!
Our floating compasses were made using a magnetised needle and a slice of cork. Each time the needles came to a halt they were pointing north!
The preparation Mr.Hammond had put into the workshop meant that we had a fantastic afternoon learning all about one of our favourite topics.
Using the circuit he had created we were able to explore the link between magnetism and electricity. Mr.Hammond explained that this force was the basis for all electrical motors.
Using iron filings and magnets we were able to create Faraday's lines of magnetic force.
It was a truly hair-raising afternoon! A very big thank-you to the Hammond's for providing such a great end to our topic.
This looks like an incredible afternoon!
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