MotörMag

It is the most common sort of electric machine, which is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It can be found in any equipment in your home that has at least one rotating moving part…

The engine is possibly the greatest invention ever developed by man. Faraday (M. Faraday, 1791-1867) created a circuit in 1831 to demonstrate that it was feasible to generate an electric current using the magnetic phenomenon. He created the first electric transformer, discovered electromagnetic induction, and built the first electric generator. Henry discovered electric induction independently of Faraday, but did not publish his discovery until much later. Henry invented a practical method in which he placed a wheel in motion in the opposite direction while delivering power to the circuit, i.e. the electric motor.

In this instructional program, students will build their own motor using simple building materials and magnets while applying electromagnetic principles and understanding. With modest corrections in the distance of the magnets and the magnetic ‘trap’, they will endeavor to attain the highest feasible rotation.

Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of the activities students will be able to:

  • To recognize through activities some phenomena of electromagnetism that we encounter in everyday life.
  • To understand that the common ‘course’/existence of electricity and magnetism.
  • To be able to understand the concept of magnetic field.
  • To understand and describe the mechanism of repulsion between the same poles of two magnetic fields.

Program Information
Class: 6th grade
Number of lessons: 1 lesson
Duration: 90′
Number of students: the whole class

Lesson tags: School visits
Back to: Engineering