Subject: Electricity & Magnetism
Grades: K-12, but best for 6-8
Summary: A motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. In this case, electrical energy comes from the battery, and the mechanical energy is seen in the form of the spinning circle of wire. The small magnet provides an alternating push/pull force that makes the circle spin.
What worked well: Some kids' motors worked amazingly, they spun super fast and became warm.
What didn't work well: Some kids' motors just did not work, despite a great amount of troubleshooting. Also, electricity and magnetism can be a tough concept to teach! We had the kids rub their hair with balloons, a simple activity, to reinforce the concept of electricity.
*Tips: Make sure that the straight ends of the coiled wire are long enough to extend out of the paperclip loops without slipping out. The paperclip loops need to be high enough so that the coil of wire doesn't hit the magnet/battery when it spins.
*Tips: Make sure that the straight ends of the coiled wire are long enough to extend out of the paperclip loops without slipping out. The paperclip loops need to be high enough so that the coil of wire doesn't hit the magnet/battery when it spins.
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