Big idea: Electricity and magnetism

The everyday world is largely a consequence of electrical charge. Understanding electricity and magnetism helps us develop technology to improve lives.

'Electricity and magnetism' is one of 15 big ideas of science in the Best Evidence Science Teaching collection. Understanding of the big idea is built up by a series of key concepts at age 11-16, which have been organised into teaching topics.

The research-informed resources for each key concept make up a progression toolkit that provides:

• appropriately-sequenced steps for learning progression

• diagnostic questions to reveal preconceptions and common misunderstandings

• response activities to challenge misunderstandings and encourage conceptual development