Learning Map
ScienceForces & Motionusually ages 12–13

Electromagnets

Describe the magnetic effect of an electric current (a current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field), and investigate how the strength of an electromagnet depends on current, number of coil turns, and core material

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

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Try this together

If your child built an electromagnet using a battery, wire, and iron nail, could they describe two ways to make it pick up more paperclips — and explain why it stops working when the circuit is switched off?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on
Current, voltage, and what they measureages 11–12The magnetic effect of a current requires understanding what an electric current is and how it flows
Magnetic Fieldsages 11–12Electromagnetism requires prior understanding of magnetic field lines and field direction — established in the magnetic fields topic
Electromagnetsthis skill · ages 12–13
Unlocks
Motors & the Motor Effectages 13–14The motor effect (force on a current in a field) is an application of electromagnetism — requires knowledge of both magnetic fields and current-produced fields

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

This skill sits beyond Year 6 in the Australian Curriculum, so no F–6 code is matched. It also sits beyond the NSW K–6 syllabuses. It also sits beyond Level 6 in the Victorian Curriculum.

Nearby on the map

Deformation & Fluid Pressureages 12–13 Investigating Forcesages 12–13 Moments, Pressure & Hooke's Lawages 12–14 Newton's First & Second Lawsages 12–13

All Forces & Motion skills →