Magnetic Spinner & Compass

Community Science Workshop Network

Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass. Learners blow on the spinner directly or through a straw, and will be amazed as it continues to spin, appearing as if it's levitating. Learners can also use the compass to follow or take a bearing. Use this activity to introduce learners to magnets, magnetic fields, friction, and magnetic levitation. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Preparation Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:: 1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:: $1 - $5 per student
Age Range:: Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:: Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:: English

Materials List (per student)

1 Baseboard, at least 8" x 3", 1/2" thick
2 Magnets, block: 1" x 3/4", 3/16" thick works well
1 Magnet, ring: 3/4" diameter, 3/16" thick, 1/4" hole in center works well
12" Dowel, 1/4"
1/2 Paint paddle
1 Film can base or lid with large divot
Color wheel
Straw
1 Small base board
8" Dowel, 1/4" diameter
Wire, stiff
Compass face copy
Straw
String
Drill
Drill platform
15/64" drill bit
Pencil sharpener
Masking tape
Markers
Real compass for comparison
Hacksaw
Knife

Keywords

Subjects

Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Technology
  - Information and Communication
Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
  - Electromagnetic Fields
  - Earth's Magnetic Field
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations
The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process

Informal Categories

Arts and Crafts
Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Links to K-12 California Content Standards Page 7

This resource is part of:

Community Science Workshop Projects & Activities

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop