Proud to be part of LJMU,
in partnership with the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust

 

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Earth

Magnetism

Since ancient times, people have known about some rocks that could attract iron. When these rocks were rubbed on other types of metal, they had the power to make them attractive too. These items could also push each other away, repelling each other.

Part of
Force
Forces
Magnetism
Magnets
Earth
Earth and Space
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Magnetic Poles

Ancient Chinese thinkers figured out that a magnetic needle in water would always move to the same position. It would line up from north to south. This discovery led to the invention of the compass, which has been used ever since to help people find their way. The reason this works is that the Earth itself is a giant magnet.

Seasons

There are four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Parts of the Earth experience each season once each year.

Part of
Seasons
Life and Living things
Earth

You might think it gets colder in the winter because the Earth moves further away from the Sun. This is not true! In fact, when it is winter in Europe it is summer in Australia. So whenever it is winter somewhere on Earth, another part of the planet is having its summer.