Second Session

The Creator Club

First Semester, Second Session

Title: Electric Motors and how they work

Goals of second session:

Summary: Gain a better understanding of electromagnetism and how it can be used to make motors which do work.

In this lesson we will use iron filings to show the magnetic lines of force generated by an electromagnetic coil. We will then use some magnetite powder that the club leader smashed from rocks containing iron ore the old iron mine that is located on our property and show the boys how iron comes from the earth.

Then we will show how putting a steel nail inside a coil can change these magnetic force lines, and how a magnetic compass can be used to show the polarity of a magnet.

We will show how magnetic forces can pass through other materials and talk about these characteristics make so many interesting possibilities for creative projects. Discussions will be held about how the Creator made this whole earth a magnet and how that helps us in our lives.

Then we will make a very simple “half motor” using the coil we make. Each boy will be taught the names of the basic components of every DC motor: Armature, Field, and commutator. The terms stator and rotator will also be explained. Each boy will be able to take his simple motor home and run it for his family.

Then I will show the boys the plans I have for a better motor and introduce them to the parts we will use in the next week’s project.

Supplies needed:

1. 1 D size battery
2. Large paper clips
3. Wooden project board
4. 24 gauge magnet wire
5. 1 Bar magnet
6. Hook up wire
7. Screws and washers
8. Pattern for hole drilling on the wooden project board
9. Tape to hold down the magnet.

Tools and equipment needed:

1. Battery drill

2. Alligator clips

3. Magnetic Compass

4. Iron Filings

5. Magnetite filings from the rocks containing iron ore.

6. Sand paper

7. Knives

8. long nose pliers

9. hand tools, battery drills

Misc. equipment needed for illustration:

Various types of electric motors: Battery drill motors, DC toy motors, Stepper motors, Servo motors, Vacuum Cleaner motors, record player motors, and others.

History:

The first electric motors

The first commutator-type direct current electric motor capable of turning machinery was invented by the British scientist William Sturgeon in 1832.

Sturgeon was born in Whittington, Lancashire and apprenticed to a shoemaker. He joined the army in 1802 and taught himselfmathematics and physics. In 1824 he became lecturer in science at the East India Company College at Addiscombe, Surrey and in the following year he exhibited his first electromagnet.^[2] He displayed its power by lifting nine pounds with a seven-ounce piece of iron wrapped with wire through which a current from a single battery was sent. In 1828 he put into practice Ampere's idea of a solenoid. (From Wikipedia)