The picture above shows a Toothpick motor. As it can be observed, a steel needle penetrates the toothpick. A coil is built around the needle.
The most important part of the electric motor is the coil, which is where a fluctuating magnetic field is created when the motor is spinning. Our product explains step-by-step, using text and dozens of digital pictures and drawings, how to make the coil from the beginning to the end. By simply following the sequence of the digital pictures, students will gain sufficient knowledge to make a coil that will work succesfully.
This learning experience can also be adapted as a laboratory activity for an entire class. Teachers could guide the students in making the coil and other parts of the motor, or if a computer lab is available, students could follow the instructions presented in the different computers. After all the needed materials have been obtained, it takes an average of 2 hours to assemble and test successfully a toothpick motor.
The animations of about 40 different motors are incorporated in the software.
Another electric motor that students will benefit in building is the Paperclip motor. This motor is the easiest of the four to make. Its assembly takes about 10 minutes, which is basically the time needed to make the coil. Students are suggested to construct several coils, each containing from 1 to 20 loops of wire, and later check which coil appears to be turning the best. For this project students can use insulated or noninsulated wire, from gauge 20 to gauge 30. If insulated wire is utilized, a razor blade has to be used to scratch off the insulation from both ends of the coil that make contact with the paperclips. In the picture shown above, the object placed on the battery is a ring ceramic magnet. This educational program clearly describes the different materials that are needed, and how to get them. The wires and the magnets can be purchased at Radio Shack stores. A good news is that the rest of the materials may be obtained for free or are very unexpensive. In fact, most items are easily found at home.
The Straw motor is similar in nature to the Toothpick motor. The toothpick and the steel needle are substituted for a drinking plastic straw and a straight steel wire, both about 12 cm in length. The wire from a small paperclip is appropriate for this project. The Straw motor requires more electricity and a stronger magnet to operate. The complete assembly and testing of this motor also takes about 2 hours.
The central part of this motor is a medium size cork. Of the four motors studied, the coil of the cork motor is the one that uses the greatest amount of wire. This motor looks very fascinating when it is turning. It takes approximately 2 hours to assemble the Cork motor.
Besides the four types of motors described above, this product also shows a St. Louis Motor and other types of electric motors of greater power. Even though they are much more challenging to build, students will find beneficial learning about them. This product was put together with the assistance of a physics teacher certified by the state of Florida, who for twenty years has taught high school physics students how to construct several types of electric motors during the study of electricity. If you are interested in purchasing this educational product (Electric Motors - Product # MOTO1), please send your check or money order for $95.00 to the address shown below. All orders will be fulfilled within 7 days. Note:
We also accept Purchase Orders from school districts and from individual schools. The Purchase Order must show the school name, address, and phone number, and must be signed by an administrator or department chairperson that is authorized to make purchases.
Ceres Software Corporation
871 N.W. 133rd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33182-1807
www.CeresSoft.org
http://Motors.CeresSoft.org
E-mail:
CeresSoftware@Hotmail.com