Why does a scrapyard crane need a magnet that can switch off? Explain how controlled magnetic effects are used in cranes, bells and motors and trace an energy transfer in a device.

Pupils try “Design a switchable pick-and-release device”. Includes the editable PowerPoint, a 50-minute lesson plan and a printable pupil sheet with equipment, instructions, example evidence and worked teacher answers.

KS3 physics for ages 11–14. Part of the magnetism and electromagnets sequence.