Electric Motor

While teaching about computers, we noticed that the students do not get the opportunity to perform many hands on experiments in their classrooms. In an effort to increase interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, we decided to show the children a simple electrical engineering experiment. The experiment consists of using a 1.5 V Battery, two paper clips, a magnet, and some insulated wire to create a small electric motor. The experiment demonstrates the relationship between current and magnetic field and how these principals can be applied to create a temporary magnet, an electric motor, and electricity. We started by explaining the experiment to the students, followed by a short lecture on the theory behind the experiment.

The class was divided into 3 teams of about 14 students. Enough materials were provided to each team to create four electric motors. To get the students excited about the experiment, we offered a prize to the team who created the fastest motor. After giving all the necessary precautions we let the students perform the exercise.

As the students began completing their experiment, each team would start cheering each time one of their teammates would get the motor to work. It didn’t take long before the class became a shouting battle between all 3 teams. We selected the best motor from each team, and after observing the best motors’ performance we declared a unanimous winner. This experiment had such a positive impact on the students that we decided to come up with other basic science experiments that we can perform while we are visiting the school.