Simple Spinner
Source Institutions
-
The Exploratorium
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In this activity, learners create a tiny electric, motorized dancer. Learners use the interactions of magnetism and electric current to make a wire spin, while displaying the Lorentz Force in action. This lesson guide provides one of many ways to build the spinner and links to other methods.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Copper magnet wire (25 to 35 cm)
- Sand paper or something to strip the magnet wire
- New single cell battery: AA, A, C or D size.
- Circular Neodymium Magnet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Standard Ceramic magnets (optional)
Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Electric Motors
- Electric Circuits
- Motion and Forces
- Rotation Motion
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Electronics
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Muller, Eric
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Exploratorium, ©2007
