Electromagnet Pickup Crane
Electromagnet Pickup Crane https://www.sciencebuddies.org/teacher-resources/lesson-plans/strength-of-electromagnet Days: 2 Mode: Pairs or individual Take-home: Electromagnet crane body + coil
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Electric current creates a magnetic field; coil turns/core affect magnet strength; electricity can be switched on/off.
Hook: Connect a coil around an iron core briefly and pick up paper clips; disconnect it and release them.
Test / evidence: Count standard paper clips lifted or complete a pick-up/drop-off task.
Variables to change: Number of coil turns; core type; gap to load.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: build
Day 2: strength tests/redesign
Video:
How to Make an Electromagnet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyY4tYvyRmE
Safety / cleanup:
Use only low voltage; connect coils briefly because wire can warm; teacher controls batteries.