4L - Science Essentials

Welcome!

Welcome to the Science Essentials website, the learning zone for kids, teachers and parents for Key Stage 2 science (ages 7-11).

Find out loads more about science by investigating the three areas: Choose Life, Material World and Get Physical. Or search via the QCA index, the English National Curriculum or the Scottish Curriculum for more specific results.

If you are a teacher, take some time to read the Teachers' Notes area, this will help you get the best out of the Science Essentials website.

What makes a magnet magnetic?

Some metals are made up of tiny particles called domains. Each domain is magnetic. Usually, the domains face in every direction. Their magnetism is cancelled out. But if the metal is magnetised all the domains face in the same direction. The metal becomes a magnet.