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Exploring Electromagnets

A photo of a green field. From the top center to the bottom left is a a water pipe. At the top of the photo the pipe is connected to a water storage tank. Students kneel on the left side of the pipe.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  1. To increase understanding of the relationship between magnets and electricity.
  2. To increase understanding of the variables that affect the force of an electromagnet.
Materials List

Handouts

Group Supplies (6 per group)

  • 1 Piece of coated copper wire (1 meter long)
  • 1 Large iron nail
  • 1 9-volt Battery
  • 1 Compass
  • Paper clips
  • Assorted magnets
  • 4 Handheld compasses
  • 6 Voltmeters
  • Eisco-Water Turbine (example)
  • 6 Handheld generators (example)

Important Links

Lesson 3 of 8 / Time: 90 mins

This lesson appears as a part of the following:
– Water Power Implementation Toolkit

Students build and test an electromagnet to increase their understanding of the relationship between magnets and electricity and how magnets can create energy.

When and Why Do We Build Dams?

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