What this lesson teaches
This activity demonstrates how electricity produces magnetism. Children learn that flow of electric current turns a nail into a magnet, allowing them to grasp the relationship between these two forces.
Can you finish electro-magnetic magic in about 25 min?
You will this activity demonstrates how electricity produces magnetism.
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This activity demonstrates how electricity produces magnetism. Children learn that flow of electric current turns a nail into a magnet, allowing them to grasp the relationship between these two forces.
By engaging in hands-on creation, kids experience embodied cognition, where the physical manipulation of materials aids understanding. As they see metal objects stick to their electromagnet, the connection between electricity and magnetism becomes vivid and memorable.
1. Wrap 20-30 turns of copper wire around a large iron nail. 2. Leave 10-15 cm of wire free at each end. 3. Connect one end of the wire to a 1.5V battery. 4. Touch the other end to the battery to power the electromagnet. 5. Test your electromagnet by picking up small metal objects like paper clips. 6. Disconnect the battery and observe what happens to the magnetism.