Magnetic Money with Year 3: The Great Coin Investigation

During STEM Week, Year 3 pupils were excited to explore the theme of "Change and Adapt" through a hands-on coin investigation. Using magnets, they tested a range of coins to see which were magnetic and sorted them into four groups: magnetic coppers, magnetic silvers, non-magnetic coppers, and non-magnetic silvers.

The children were fascinated to discover that coins made before 1992 were non-magnetic because they were made from a copper, tin, and zinc mix. They learned that The Royal Mint later adapted to rising metal costs by switching to steel, which made newer coins magnetic—even though they looked the same.

Pupils loved hunting for rare, older coins and comparing them with the newer ones. They showed great curiosity and teamwork, and proudly created posters with diagrams, photos, and fun facts to share their findings with others.