Cambridge Year 8 Science: Electromagnets | Build an Engineering Prototype

Cambridge Year 8 Science: Electromagnets | Build an Engineering Prototype

Explore the connection between electricity and magnetism with this hands-on Cambridge Year 8 Electricity & Magnetism engineering investigation. Students research how electromagnets work, build and test a simple electromagnet, then use the engineering design process to create and improve a prototype for a real-world job.

Designed for Grades 6–8 and approximately 1–2 × 45–60 minute classes, this resource combines science research, practical investigation, engineering design, testing, data collection, and real-world application.

What’s Included
- Teacher directions and lesson flow
- Electromagnets overview + mini research questions
- Group Engineering Prototype challenge
- 3 student research, design, and investigation worksheets
- Results, conclusions, and engineering extensions
- 9-task Early Finisher / Extension Choice Board
- Colour + printer-friendly black-and-white student pages

Students Will
- Explore how electric current creates a magnetic field
- Understand coils, solenoids, and iron cores
- Build a simple electromagnet using a nail, insulated wire, and low-voltage cell
- Test and record the performance of their electromagnet
- Demonstrate how an electromagnet can be switched ON and OFF
- Design, test, improve, and retest an engineering prototype
- Investigate factors that can affect electromagnet strength
- Connect electromagnets to real-world technologies and jobs
- Analyse evidence and evaluate their engineering design

Why Teachers Love This Resource
- Combines science + engineering + hands-on learning
- Takes students through the complete design-test-improve process
- Encourages fair testing and evidence-based conclusions
- Connects classroom science to practical technology
- Includes differentiation and extension opportunities
- Works well for pairs or small groups
- Includes both colour and black-and-white versions

Cambridge Disclaimer
This resource is an independent educational product created by GR Creative Creations. It is not created by, affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Cambridge Assessment International Education, or the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science programme.
References to Cambridge Lower Secondary Science are used strictly for curriculum-alignment purposes. This resource is designed to support commonly taught learning objectives, skills, and scientific practices associated with Cambridge Lower Secondary Science frameworks. It is not an official Cambridge curriculum document, assessment, publication, or approved instructional material.