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Overview

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.