TECHNOLOGY

GRADE 7
TERM 3: WEEK 1
(2025)
Note to the learners.

This workbook comprise of notes and exercises

Print a copy to submit on opening week

We will use these notes through out the term.

Monday 30 June 2025

What is Magnetism?
TOPIC RESOURCES RESOURCES WHAT I
AM GOING TO USE?

Investigate: What You will need:

is magnetism?
Magnetic forces • 2 x bar magnets
Practical https://www.youtub • 1 x horseshoe magnet
investigation: e.com/watch?v=M
Different types of p0Bu75MSj8 Videos:
permanent Magnets and Magnetism:
magnets Magnets Video for Kids
– bar and https://www.youtube.com/watc
horseshoe. h?v=-aNpmCSZHbk

The Science Behind Magnets:

How do they Work?
https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=MZtTVsIOA9c

Magnets: How It's Made

https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=qed4ynPYVIA

3LEARNERS’
ACTIVITIE Learners complete the activity on page 3
S
What is magnetism?

Some people use fridge magnets to keep notes or lists on the fridge’s door. You even get
magnets in the shape of words or letters that you can put on a fridge door to play with. The
magnets make the letters stick to the metal of the fridge door.

Thousands of years ago, humans discovered that a certain type

of rock could attract iron. This rock was called lodestone.
People believed that it had magical powers! Pieces of lodestone
would also push or pull other pieces of lodestone.

The ability to attract iron is called magnetism. We now know

that lodestone contains a material called magnetite, which is
a kind of iron oxide. Iron oxides are chemical compounds of
iron and oxygen. “Lodestone” is a natural magnet.

All magnets are able to attract other magnets or magnetic Lodestone attracts pieces of iron.
objects. Magnetic objects consist of iron or some other
metals.

Definition: Magnetism is a force that can attract (bring closer) or repel (push away)
objects that have a magnetic material like iron inside them.

Permanent magnets and the magnetic fields

You have learnt that magnets can pull certain objects towards them because the objects have
a magnetic field around them. An object that a magnet moves becomes a “temporary”
magnet. A temporary magnet is not a magnet all the time. When you move a paperclip within
the magnetic field of the magnet, the paperclip also becomes a magnet. The paperclip loses
its magnetic field quickly.

A permanent magnet keeps its magnetic properties for a long time. A temporary magnet
acts as a magnet only as long as it is in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet.

A lodestone is a natural permanent magnet. You also get artificially made permanent
magnets. These magnets have a north end and a south end, but they can come in different
shapes. There are two basic shapes of magnets that you will use: bar magnets and
horseshoe magnets.
 Bar magnets (Left) are rectangular, with a
north pole on one end of the bar and a south
pole on the opposite end of the bar. This
means that the poles are far apart.

Horseshoe magnets (right)also have a north and a south pole, but the bar has been bent
into a curved shape. This bend brings the north and south poles closer together than they
would be in a bar magnet.

Tuesday 01 July 2025

Practical Investigation
For this investigation, you will need two bar magnets, with the north and south poles marked.
You must carry out the following activity and
answer all questions.
Hold a bar magnet in one hand and put another
bar magnet on your desk. Bring the north end of
the magnet in your hand close to the north end
of the magnet on the desk. Write down what
happens when you bring the north poles of the
two bar magnets closer together.
1. ……………………………………………………..
………….
………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………...
………………………………………………………………...

2. Now bring the south pole of one of the bar magnets close to the south pole of the other
bar magnet. Write down what happens when you bring the south poles of the two bar
magnets closer together.

………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..

3. Now bring the north end of one bar magnet close to the south pole of the other bar
magnet. Write down what happens when you bring the north pole close to the south
pole.

………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………..

You should have noticed that as the north poles were brought together, there was a
“resistance” to getting too close. Therefore, it is difficult to get two north or south poles to
touch each other. However, when you bring the north pole close to the south pole, they pull
towards each other.

When the poles are the same, the force pushes them apart, but when the poles are different,
the force pulls them together. So, a north pole and a south pole attract each other, while a
north and a north pole or a south and a south pole repel each other.

The magnetic field around each magnet has direction. We say that unlike poles of a
magnet attract each other and like poles repel each other.

Wednesday 2 July 2025

Magnetism

History of Magnets
When was magnetism supposedly discovered, and what were its uses?
 History of Magnetism: https://youtu.be/u6v4J-CpKQE

One of the most common is that of an elderly shepherd named Magnets, who was herding his sheep in an area of
Northern Greece called Magnesia, about 4 000 years ago. It is said that both the nails in his shoes and the metal tip
of his staff became firmly stuck to the large, black rock on which he was standing.

This type of rock was later named magnetite, after either Magnesia or Magnets himself.

For many years following its discovery, magnetite was surrounded in superstition and was considered to possess
magical powers, such as the ability to heal the sick and frighten away evil spirits!

Magnets
Metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt are attracted to magnets.
 Most metals however are not attracted to magnets, and other materials such as glass, plastic, and wood aren't
attracted to magnets either.

The 'North pole' of any magnet is the one that would be attracted to the Earth's South magnetic pole. Just like
protons and electrons, opposites attract!

Two magnets must use the opposite poles in order to attract one another.

Take a look at the video below for an introduction to magnetism. Make sure you follow along in your Learning Guide!

Bill Nye – Magnetism: https://youtu.be/8PyqL9y7VZo

Magnetic Fields

Magnets are objects that produce something called a magnetic field. These fields can be used for different things,
such as electronics, MRI machines, and more.

The Science Behind Magnets: https://youtu.be/MZtTVsIOA9c

Magnetic fields by themselves are invisible to the human eye.

Magnetic fields are always shows as arrows leaving the north pole of a magnet and entering the south pole of the
magnet.

What is the magnetic field?: https://youtu.be/uj0DFDfQajw

The Earth is a Magnet

Did you know? Our planet can be treated as one big magnet! At the center of the Earth spins the Earth's core. The
core is made up of mostly iron. The outer portion of the core is liquid iron that spins and makes the earth into a giant
magnet.
Take a look at the following video to see how the Earth's magnetic field and a compass interact. How
does a compass work?: https://youtu.be/LroX6ThIDpw

Built-In Compass
Some birds and whales use the Earth's magnetic field to find the right direction when migrating.

When people started to realize that neither magic nor watching stars were the way they did this, they started to look
at how some animals have built-in magnetic sensors.

Animal Magnetism: https://youtu.be/EbHSkZySTBw

Magnetic Protection
Perhaps the most important feature of the Earth's magnetic field is that it protects us from the Sun's solar wind and
radiation.
 Why Earth’s Magnetic Shield Matters: https://youtu.be/XXFVpwecixY

The sun is constantly throwing billions of particles our way, which we call the "solar wind". These particles then meet
the Earth's magnetic field and some of the particles are pushed away from the Earth, while some are funneled onto
the north or south magnetic pole.

When these particles come flying into the atmosphere at one of the poles, they smash into the gasses in the
atmosphere, exciting them, and this excitement allows the gasses to release light! This light is the Aurora Borealis, or
the Northern Lights.

Electromagnets
When current flows through any wire it makes a magnetic field around the wire. Usually, this magnetic field is very
weak, so a single wire won't make a magnetic field strong enough to pick up metal objects.

Electromagnets are temporary and artificial magnets. They are magnets that are only magnetic when there is a coil
of wire with electricity running through it. Electromagnets can also be used to make electricity. Movement of a
magnet back and forth in front of the electromagnet will make an electric current.

For example, many generators use electromagnets in order to generate power and electricity.

Take a look at the video below to understand this concept further. It can be a bit tricky to wrap your brain around!

Electromagnets: https://youtu.be/TTFIXmubvkQ

World’s Strongest Magnet

Here is a look at the world's strongest electromagnet!
 Strongest Magnet in the World: https://youtu.be/QGytW_C6hR8

Thor’s Hammer
Engineers use electromagnets to help make our lives safer and more
convenient, as magnets are used in microwaves, motor vehicles, and
technology like phones! That being said, sometimes it's just fun to
play around with magnets in a creative way.

Real Mjölnir: https://youtu.be/0_8Xhzt5YQI

Thursday 3 July 2025

Magnetism
1. You put a magnet close to an iron nail. Will the magnet attract the nail?
________________.

2. True or False: All metals are attracted to magnets.

a. True
b. False

3. For the following magnets, indicate whether they will Attract each other or Repel each
other.
4. Watch the video to answer the following questions. Video 1: Bill Nye Magnetism
What would happen if you cut a magnet in half? Would you get a magnet that is only north
ended and one that is only south ended?

14. What are electromagnets?

15. True or False: The stronger the magnet, the larger the magnetic field a. True
b. False

Reflect:
What are 5 things you could do to reduce electricity consumption within your home?

Friday 4 July 2025

Simple electric circuits
GRADE 7 TERM 3 WEE 2(
K
TOPIC Resources RESOURCES WHAT I
AM GOING TO USE?
 Simple electric Read and discuss Buy Components to build a
circuits. content. simple circuit:
• Demonstrate a simple
electric circuit with an Demonstrate how to • a cell,
energy source (cell), build a simple circuit. • a switch,
switch, conductor and a • a light bulb
Demonstrate how to
light bulb or buzzer. • insulated copper
draw circuit diagrams
conducting wires.
• Sketch the circuit Discuss why we draw
Videos:
showing how to use circuit diagrams with
Circuit diagram - Simple circuits
component symbols. symbols instead of
https://www.youtube.com/w
drawing our own
atch?v=j0zf-otH3cY
Circuit diagram: pictures.
Each learner draws a
Assist learners with the Circuit symbols
circuit diagram using
activity. https://www.youtube.com/w
the correct symbols for atch?v=VlR9dhIcTp0
components
LEARNERS
ACTIVITIE
’ Learners complete the activity.
S
Learners should be able to draw their own circuit with the given symbols. This skill will be
assessed during the PAT.

Definition:
Circuits and components Component
An electric circuit needs three basic things to work:
A component is one part
of a whole system.
1. An energy source. This can be a cell or a stronger power source.
2. A complete circuit. There must be an unbroken pathway of conducting materials through which the
electrical current can flow.
3. A load. There must be some form of resistance in the circuit. This could be in the form of a light bulb, a
resistor, a motor or other electrical components.
To show how an electric circuit should be connected, we draw circuit diagrams with symbols that show each
component. This is a simple way to represent the electric circuit. This table shows the symbol we use for each
component:

Name Picture Symbol

Electrochemical
cell or just a cell

Cells in series,
which
means they are
next to
each other –
called a battery

Switch

Light bulb

OR

Resistor

Buzzer

Conducting wire

Building an electrical circuit

Your teacher is going demonstrate how to connect a simple circuit.

This circuit consists of: a cell, a switch, and a light bulb that have been connected by insulated
copper conducting wires.

The image below shows what it should look like (Image 1).

Switch insulated copper conducting. wires

Cell

Light bulb
Image 1

Circuit diagrams

Circuit diagrams are shown as rectangular boxes,

even though the real circuit looks quite different. Image 2
shows what the circuit diagram will look like for image 1.

Image 2

Activity: Answer the following questions


1. What are the three basic things that you need to make a simple electric circuit?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………(3 marks)
2. How do you think you can see if the circuit in Image 1 is working?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………(2 marks)

3. What do you think would happen if you made a mistake while

Image 3
putting the circuit together as in image 3

……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………… (2 marks)

4. Look at the circuit diagram below.

a. What symbol is shown in position A. ……………………………………………… (3 marks)

b. Complete the circuit diagram by drawing in the missing symbols.

A 2 cells in series

Switch

bulb

v
(6 marks)
5. Draw a circuit diagram in the space below. It must show the following components:
• 3 cells in series
• A switch (switched on)
• A buzzer
• A resistor (4 marks)

[Total 20 marks]
Electromagnet
GRADE 7 TER 2 WEEK: 3
M
TOPIC RESOURCES RESOURCES WHAT I
AM GOING TO USE?
 Demonstration Read and discuss Resources for the making of an
lesson: content. electromagnet. See page 3.
A simple electromagnet.
Demonstrate how to Videos:
• Make a simple
make a simple Electromagnets
electromagnet made by
electromagnet. https://www.youtube.com/wa
winding insulated
copper wire around an Demonstrate how tch?v=IKIBDny8jPg
iron nail. an electromagnet How does an Electromagnet
works. Work?
• When an electric https://www.youtube.com/wa
current flow in the wire Educator supports tch?v=cxELqN7wjS0
coil (solenoid) a learners with the How to Make an Electromagnet
magnetic field is activity. https://www.youtube.com/wa
created, and this is tch?v=Gk-SBhNY-lM
amplified by the iron 4 Simple magnet motors you can
core. Switching the make at home
current off causes the
https://www.youtube.com/wa
magnetic field to fade
tch?v=Lvcsl20GsRA
away.

LEARNERS
ACTIVITIE
’ Learners complete the activity on page 4.
S

Electromagnets
Now we are going to look at a very interesting phenomenon, which is the relationship between electricity and
magnetism.

Electromagnets are magnets that are created using electricity. They are not permanent magnets.

They are only magnets when electricity flows through conducting wire that is coiled around them. When the
electricity is switched off, they lose their magnetism.
Electromagnets are very useful for separating scrap material. Scrap material
in waste dumps is usually a mixture of metals and non-metals. The ferrous
metals, which are those that contain iron, are still valuable. It takes a lot of
time to sort waste material by hand.

Ferrous metals (metals containing iron) are attracted to magnets. An

electromagnet is passed through the waste material and all the ferrous
metals stick to it. The electromagnet is then moved over a collection bin.
When the electromagnet is switched off, the ferrous metals are no longer
attracted to it and they fall into the bin.

Apart from being useful to sort scrap metal, electromagnets are often used as components in other electrical devices.
Some examples include:
• motors: to rotate the motor,
• loudspeakers: an electromagnet
• responds to the sound signals and amplifies them,
• computer hard drives: electromagnetism is used to write and store data, • electric bells:
electromagnets attract and release the hammer of the bell, and
• a magnetic door switch: electromagnets can close and open doors.

Pa per cone

Small
ele ctr omagne t

Permanent E le ctr omagnet

m agne t

Loudspeaker

In all these applications, the fact that the magnetic force can be controlled by switching the electric circuit on and off
is the property that makes the electromagnet so useful.

Make a simple electromagnet

(Your teacher will demonstrate how to make a simple electromagnet)

For this activity, you will need the following objects:

• a long iron nail, about 15 cm long. If you don’t have a long nail, you can make a bundle of
several pieces of iron wire,
• 3 m of insulated copper wire,
 • a size-D cell, or size-C cell (not a rechargeable battery – it will make the wires very hot) • a wire
stripper, and
• metal paperclips.

1. Use the wire stripper to strip a small piece of the insulation

from both ends of the insulated copper wire.
2. Wrap the insulated wire neatly around the iron nail. Make
sure that you keep the wire turning in the same direction.
Keep the coils close together.
3. Now connect one of the stripped ends of the wire to the
positive terminal of the cell.
4. Connect the other stripped end to the negative terminal of
your cell.
5. To test if your electromagnet is working, see whether it can
pick up paperclips. If the paperclips are attracted to the iron
rod, then your electromagnet is working!
6. Once you have tested your electromagnet, disconnect the A simple electromagnet
wire from one terminal of the cell.
Now try to pick up the paperclips. Are the paperclips attracted to the iron rod?
7. How can you use the electromagnet to pick up paperclips from one place and then put them in a different place?

How does an electromagnet work?

There is a strong relationship between electricity and magnetism.

The electricity in the wire coils (solenoid) creates a magnetic field.
The iron nail is right in the middle of this magnetic field. Because
the iron nail is a magnetic material, it becomes magnetised by the
field. The magnetic field from the electric current is made much
larger, or amplified, by the magnetic field in the iron nail. Without
the iron core, the magnetic field would be very weak. When the
electric current is switched off, the iron nail loses its magnetism.

Symbol for an electromagnet

Activity
Answer the questions below:
1. What is an electromagnet?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………(2 marks)
 2. Name 5 electrical devices where electromagnets are used as a component.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………(5 marks)
3. Complete the flow diagram for the making of the electromagnet:

Strip a small piece of the insulation from both ends of the insulated
copper wire

Test the electromagnet

4. Draw the correct circuit diagram for the circuit below(using circuit symbols):

Iron nail

1 x Cell

Coil of
insulated
wire

Switch
(5 marks)

[15 marks]
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TASK (PRINT OUT THIS PAGE AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS)
GRADE 7 TER 3
M
TOPIC RESOURCE RESOURCES

?
 Learners must use their: Take note: Download the
• knowledge of structures, Make a copy following:
• the drawing skills developed in earlier big enough for
tasks, the drawings. 1 Powerpoint 1:
• knowledge of magnetism, electric page per A4 How to draw an
circuits and electromagnets, oblique and single
sheet.
• knowledge of cranks and pulleys,
vanishing point
perspective
Educator must drawing.
to design and make a crane using an
guide learners https://bit.ly/draw
electromagnet to sort out metal in a
through the task. ing_Oblique_1VP
scrap yard.
Learners complete
the task step by Powerpoint 2:
Case Study: Examine pictures of cranes in
order to get ideas to be used in the step. Explain and How to draw an
learner’s own designs revise before oblique and single
vanishing point
learners complete
Write a design brief with specifications perspective
the activity.
and constraints for a crane with drawing.
electromagnet Revise: Single VP https://bit.ly/Obli
que-1VP
perspective. Use a
Sketch two possible designs for a suitable
simple object like a
crane using single VP perspective.
cube.
Draw a circuit diagram for the Revise: The
electromagnet (with a light to show
oblique drawing
when it is on)
technique using
Drawing: Each learner uses the oblique a cube.
technique to draw an idea for the crane
Please note
Learners will not complete
the making of the model.
LEARNER
S’
ACTIVITIE The copy made for learners must be big enough for the drawings.
S 1 page per A4 sheet.

Practical Assessment Task: Total: 70

Name: _______________________________________Grade 7: Possible Learners’
__ mark mark
Investiga Design brief and specifications 10
te (30 Investigate cranes 20
Marks)
 Design 2 Sketches VP 20
(40 Circuit diagram 10
Marks)
Oblique drawing 10

TOTAL 70

Scenario
A scrap metal dealer needs to sort magnetic and non-magnetic metals into separate piles for recycling. They use a
crane with a magnet but find it difficult to remove the metal pieces from the magnet. They need a magnet
that can be switched on and off to help with this.

The company wants you to design and build a model crane that:
• must be a simple frame structure,
• must be strong and stiff
• must be reinforced through triangulation
• uses a winch, a cable, and pulleys to lift and lower the arm

The company wants you to build an electromagnet that:

• must be attached to its arm,
• must have a light that indicates when it is switched on,
• must have a switch so that it can be switched on and off, and
• must be strong enough to pick up several steel paperclips

Design brief and specifications [10]

1. Identify the design aspects:

a. What is it? (what is needed?) ………………………………………………………………………

b. Who it is for? ………………………………………………………………………
c. What it is for? ………………………………………………………………………
2. By making use of the above design aspects, complete the design brief. (3)

Design and make a ………………………………………..………(what is needed) for a ……………………..……..

(who is it for) that ………………………………………………….……………(what is it for).

3. List the specifications. (7)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………...

Investigate cranes [20]

Identify winches and pulleys
Winch:
A machine that lifts heavy objects by
Look at the four pictures of cranes below. Each crane has a winch and turning a chain or rope around a tube-
shaped drum. Typically turned by a
one or more pulleys.
crank or by a motor.

1. Copy all four crane pictures onto the next page. Do not trace them. Make freehand sketches. (8)
2. Look at where the winches are placed. Mark each winch with the letter W. (4)
3. Look at where the pulleys are placed. Mark each pulley with the letter P. (6)
4. Which of the cranes have pulley systems with two or more pulleys? (2)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………

B
A
 D
C

A B
 C D

Single vanishing point perspective drawing 1 [10]

Below is an incomplete single VP perspective drawing of a crane. Complete the
drawing with a pencil and ruler.

Horizon line VP
Single vanishing point perspective drawing 2 [10]
Now it’s your turn to draw your own single VP perspective drawing. Use the horizon lines provided.

Horizon line VP

Startyour drawing on this line

[10]
Not correct or not completed Satisfactory effort Excellent effort
Drew the front view of the crane 0 1 2
All lines projected to a vanishing point 0 1 2
Vanishing lines are feint and outlines are dark 0 1 2
Drew in the horizontal and vertical lines to show the back
0 1 2
and outside edges of the crane.
Neatness 0 1 2
TOTAL /10

Circuit diagram
Draw a circuit diagram for the for the electromagnet using you pencil and ruler. Your circuit
diagram must include the following:
• a cell
• a switch
• a bulb (to show when it is on)
• an electromagnet
Oblique drawing [10]

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