Electromagnets

This term, we have been learning about electricity and how it works.  We have made different electric circuits and found out about different types of electricity such as static electricity.

Today, we looked at how electricity can make items magnetic.

We wound a length of wire very tightly around a nail.  Once we made sure it was tight, we put a rubber band over a battery and place the bare ends of the wire over each end of the battery.

We took the end of the nail and held it over some paper clips and watched what happened.  The paper clips began to lift up and stick to the end of the nail.  The flow of electricity from the battery, through the wire produced a magnetic force which flowed through the nail, enabling it to pick up the paper clips.  

We all enjoy taking part in the experiment and were fascinated at the result!