Chapter 8 – Toys for Understanding |
| Activity Summaries |
Physics Principles |
Activity 1: The Electricity and Magnetism Connection
Students investigate the relationship between electricity and magnetism by testing the effect of a magnetic field on current-bearing wire and on a compass.
| - Electricity
- Magnetism
- Magnetic Fields
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Activity 2: Electromagnets
Using the hand generator to construct an electromagnet is the first step in this continued investigation of the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Students test the strength and find polarity of electromagnets made with different core materials.
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Activity 3: Detect and Induce Currents
Students construct a Galvanometer as they learn that a compass can detect the presence of a magnetic field. They use the Galvanometer to create a current similar to the process used by Faraday and Henry, manually alternating the motion of a magnet.
| - Galvanometers
- Induced Currents
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Activity 4: AC & DC Currents
The use of human energy to produce electricity is replaced in this activity by
a rotating coil motor. While using this motor, students test and describe the voltage in this induced current. They learn the difference between how AC and DC currents are generated. Students also learn to sketch output wave forms.
| - Energy Conversion
- AC and DC Currents
- Electrical Waves
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Activity 5: Building an Electric Motor
Students construct, operate, and explain the workings of a DC motor. This enables them to measure and express the efficiency of energy transfers. They also read to learn more about the discoveries that led to the generators and motors we use today to obtain useable power and electricity.
| - Electricity
- Magnetism
- Energy Transfer
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Activity 6: Building a Motor/Generator Toy
In this final activity, students apply what they have learned about the workings of an electromagnetic motor and how both AC and DC currents are generated. They must use given materials to design, construct, and demonstrate the physics of a motor or generator.
| - Energy Conversion
- Electricity
- Magnetism
- AC and DC Currents
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