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Experiments With Electromagnets for Middle School

Electromagnets are manmade magnets. The magnets are made with a coiled wire attached to an electric current. The strength of the magnet varies based on the tightness of the coiled wire and whether the coil is hollow or wrapped around a piece of iron, such as a nail. They differ from non-electrical magnets in that the magnetic field can be turned off. Middle school-level electromagnetic experiments explore the creation of electromagnets, strength of electromagnets and electromagnetic suction.

Create an Electromagnet
- Creating an electromagnet can be performed in class. You will need 3 feet of thin-coated copper wire, a 3-inch iron nail, a D-size battery, electrical tape and a few paper clips to test the magnet. Coil the middle of the wire around the length of the nail, leaving 8 inches of wire on either side of the nail. Ensure that the wire does not overlap. Remove 1 inch of coating from both ends of the wire. Tape each exposed end of wire to one end of the battery. Point the end of the nail toward the paper clips to attract.
Electromagnetic Strength
- Test the strength of a magnetic field using different constructions of the electromagnet. Count how many paper clips are picked up with the electromagnet created with the coil wrapped loosely around a nail. Tighten the coil around the nail and count how many paper clips are picked up. Wrap the coil around the nail so that the wires sit next to each other but not on top of one another. Count how many paper clips are picked up.
Electromagnetic Suction
- The current that powers the electromagnet will cause the magnet to pull a needle through a straw. You will need 3 feet of thin-coated copper wire, a drinking straw, a D-size battery, electrical tape and a threading needle. Coil the middle of the wire around the drinking straw with each wire touching, leaving 8 inches of wire on either side of the straw. Remove 1 inch of coating from both ends of the wire. Tape each exposed end of wire to one end of the battery. Insert the needle into the straw and watch. The needle should move through the straw in response to the magnetic pull.
Electrify a Magnet
- Test whether a magnet is stronger with a current. Gather a bar magnet, 100 paper clips, thin-coated copper wire, a D-size battery and electrical tape. Set a bar magnet in the paper clips. Lift the magnet. Count how many paper clips have attached. Remove the paper clips from the magnet. Coil the middle of the wire around the magnet, leaving 8 inches of wire on either side. Ensure that the wire does not overlap. Remove 1 inch of coating from both ends of the wire. Tape each exposed end of wire to one end of the battery. Set the electromagnet in the paper clips. Count how many paper clips the magnet picks up with an electric current attached.

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