woodchurch science

a question from rowan sullivan in year 7. explaining magnetism is not easy but I’ll have a go. in unit 8j you will learn that electricity can produce a magnetic field. substances like iron oxide (magnetite) are members of a group of compounds that have the standard formula A(B)2O4. the A and B represent different metal ions that occupy specific sites in the crystal structure. in the case of magnetite, Fe3O4, the A metal is Fe +2 and the B metal is Fe +3; that’s two different metal ions in two specific sites. this arrangement causes a transfer of electrons between the different irons (ions!) in the structure. this movement of electrons generates the magnetic field.
that more or less explains it but some people have devoted their entire lives and careers to explaining the many types of magnetism. i would recommend you read this page (but only if you are having difficulty sleeping).

when cows are munching on grass they occasionally pick up bits of metal from fencing, staples, nails, bits of bailing wire etc. so to stop any damage to their digestive system (so-called ‘hardware disease’) some kind farmers make their cows eat cow magnets which sit in their stomachs (the reticulum specifically) for the entire life of the cow attracting any old bits of metal. they are available to buy here.

If you are in year 8, please bring back your red, green or yellow homework files (you don’t need them any more and you’ll get a new one soon for year 9).

If you are in year 9, please bring back your red, green or yellow files (you don’t need them any more as you get different homework for keystage 4).

most of these are excellent interactive whiteboard resources, highly recommended. click here to access, choose your subject then the ‘view online’option.

[turn your speakers on!]…then click on this link from rolls-royce and take a journey through a rolls-royce trent jet engine (used on the a380 airbus). watch as the temperature and pressure increases as you pass through each segment of the engine.

here’s the latest version

see mr smith in action tonight on bbc2 9pm as he tries to motivate a year 8 class with the science of fireworks.

this link takes you to the bbc’s archive of videos for use in schools. includes science, geography, re and citizenship. you need a username and password to access, which i have. come and see me or email me and i’ll give them to you.

here’s a few links to show what happens when primary colours are mixed. the last one is the best.
first, second, last (and best).

here’s a good game to test your knowledge of how science works words. usual rules apply.