Recommended for: Grades 9-12
Lesson Plan: Turning Electricity and Magnetism into Mechanical Work with a Simple Motor (HS)
Loading reviews...- Lesson Plan
- Standards
Print Lesson PlanOverview
- In this lesson students will explore what happens at the atomic level when electricity and magnetism interact to create a force. In a lab they will watch a video about moving atoms, build a simple motor and make observations and predictions about ways to manipulate its operation.
Grade Level: 9-12
Suggested Time
- Approximately 45 minutes
Content Objectives
- Students will create a simple motor.
- Students will determine the variables that affect the motor's performance.
Process Objectives
- Students will evaluate the motor’s performance and make necessary changes to increase the performance.
Assessment Strategies
- Completion of the lab.
Media Resource, Lab and Teachers' Guide
Moving Atoms QuickTime Video
(3 minutes, 07 seconds)- Motor Lab
Turning Electricity and Magnetism into Mechanical Work with a Simple Motor (HS) PDF Document
- Teachers' Guide
Teachers' Guide: Motor Lab (HS) PDF Document
Materials
- Magnetic wire
- Pencil or pen
- Paper cup
- 2 safety pins
- Tape
- Two small magnets
- Wire, preferably with alligator clips
- Battery (each motor could use multiple batteries
Procedure
- Teacher should start a discussion about how to move atoms. Teacher should ask the students if they can think of examples of how atoms can be moved without touching them. Teacher should lead a discussion on how changes in temperature can change the movement of atoms.
- Students should view the video clip
Moving Atoms QuickTime Video
(3 minutes, 07 seconds) - Teacher should ask students to come up with a design in which a battery can be used to make a wire move.
- Teacher can inform the students that they will be creating a simple electromagnetic motor.
- Students should create the motor and answer the concluding questions.
Extension
- Groups of students can combine supplies to create the “ultimate” motor.
- Students can try to create a pulley system and attempt to have the motor do work.
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