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Easy Electrical Magnetic Science Project

Magnets have widespread applications in industry and are found in a range of household appliances and consumer electronics. You can use magnets to design a number of clever yet simple school science projects, such as speakers, levitating objects and electromagnets. The most important characteristic of a magnet is its ability to create a magnetic field in its vicinity. The strength of a magnet is determined by how much it is able to attract or repel a magnetic object, such as iron. Apart from strength, magnets can also be differentiated in terms of size and shape.

The Electromagnet
- A simple and easy-to-prepare science project is an electromagnet. An electromagnet is a device that can be turned on or off, depending on the flow of current. It is made by wrapping insulated wire around a metal object, such as a nail. When current flows through the wire, the nail acts like a magnet, creating a magnetic field. Without an electric current, the nail loses its magnetic property, turning back into a regular piece of metal. Kids will love this project for its simple design and also because they will be able to control the magnet with a switch.
Making an Electromagnet
- To make an electromagnet, start with a single long, narrow metal object, such as a large nail. Hold the nail with two fingers in one hand and wind insulated wire around it. Squeeze as much wire onto the length of the nail as possible to get the best effect. Leave a few inches on either end of the wire unwound so you can connect the wire to a power supply. Place two blocks of wood on top of a table and rest the ends of the nail on each block so the nail lies horizontally 2 or 3 inches above the tabletop. Place 15 to 20 paper clips between the blocks, directly underneath the nail. Next, connect the two ends of the wire to a low-voltage DC power supply and switch the power supply on. As soon as the power supply is turned on, a current will flow through the wire, turning the nail into a magnet. The paper clips under the nail will be attracted and lift off the surface of the table and onto the nail.
Magnetic Levitaion
- Another clever project with magnets is the levitating train. When properly constructed, the train will hover above the tracks and will even move from end of the track to another when gently pushed. This works because the base of the train is fitted with the same pole (either north or south) as the tracks. The magnet on the track can be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet. Since the two surfaces have similar poles (both north or both south) they never come into contact with each other. The magnet on the track repels the magnet on the base of the train, causing it to levitate.
Making a Levitating Train
- Use a lightweight material for the train, such as cardboard. Cut small pieces and glue them together to form the compartments and engine. Attach a magnetic strip to the base of the trains with glue. Wrap coils around two long, thin rods to form the tracks, and connect the coils to a power supply. When powered up, the electric current will cause the rods to act like magnets, causing the train to levitate. Attach transparent plastic walls on all sides of the track. This will prevent the train from falling off to a side, and using clear plastic allows you to see the train as it levitates and moves.

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