STEM program for kids: how to make a simple DIY electric generator with a small motor

A Generator is a special machine that can make something called electricity. This is like magic power that can make lights turn on, and computers work. The generator works by taking energy from something that is moving, like a spinning wheel, and turning it into electricity.

It's kind of like how you can get energy from pedaling a bicycle. When you pedal, your energy makes the wheels spin, and that helps the bike move. In a generator, you use something like a motor to make the spinning happen, and that creates electricity.

Making a homemade electric generator is a great science topic for kids of all ages. With just a few simple materials like a motor and some wire, you can create a DIY handcrafted generator that can power a light bulb or small toy. This DIY electric generator project is not only a fun activity for kids, but it's also a great way for them to learn about science and electricity. So if you're looking for a Kid's science craft that's both educational and entertaining, give making a homemade electric generator a try!

How to make a Generator?

It's essential to follow the instructions precisely, as a durable supporting frame is required for this build. Use a medium-sized rubber band to rotate the motor shaft, as one that's too big or small won't work effectively. If you don't have any old CDs, search for a strong object with the same diameter of 43/4 inches (12 cm).

What you need

Wooden base At least 5 x 12 in (12 x 30 cm)
Utility knife
Cutting mat
Glue gun Stick
Hot glue gun
Adhesive putty
Wooden skewers
Scrap wood and clamps
Hacksaw
Rubber band
1/8 in (3 mm) drill bit for wood
Wire cutters
Wires with crocodile clips at each end
150 kQ resistor
6-9-volt motor
Compact disks (CDs)
Corrugated cardboard
Drilling Machine
Used tape roll
Craft sticks
Ruler
Used Tape Roll

Step 1:

Create two cardboard disks by cutting them out using scissors. The disks should have a diameter that's 1 size smaller than the inside diameter of the tape roll.

Step 2 :

Use a hot glue gun to attach the disks over the holes that are situated at the centers of the CDs and use the tool to punch a hole in the center of each cardboard disk.

Step 3 :

Apply glue to the edges of the empty tape roll and attach it to one of the CDs, ensuring that it is centered over the cardboard disk. Then, attach the other CD to the tape roll with the cardboard disk facing inward.

Step 4 :

After the glue has been set, insert the skewer through the middle of both cardboard disks to create a shaft. Ensure that both sides of the shaft are even in length, and then attach it to the cardboard on either side with glue.

Step 5 :

With a hacksaw, remove a 1 cm section from one end of four craft sticks. For the next four craft sticks, start 2 cm up on one side and cut one end at a 45° angle.

Step 6 :

With a hand-held drill, carefully create a hole in the center of each leg, ensuring that the hole is at least 1 cm away from the rounded end of the leg.

Step 7 :

Wrap the rubber band around the circumference of the tape roll, which will function as the pulley. The rubber band will serve as the connection between the motor and the generator, causing the latter to spin

Step 8 :

From a glue stick that is no longer being used, cut two round disks that are approximately 6 mm thick using a sharp blade

Step 9 :

Using a sharp skewer, pierce the center of both glue stick disks. Place one of the disks on one side of the pulley wheel shaft and keep the second one aside.

Step 10 :

Using a wooden base, mark a point 2 centimeters in from each side and 12 centimeters from one end. Then, attach one of the legs to the base by gluing it onto one of the marks and allowing the glue to dry.

Step 11 :

After placing one leg in position, insert one end of the shaft through the hole in the leg and feed the other end through the hole in the other leg. Once the shaft is in position, glue the second leg on top of the second mark.

Step 12 :

Using angle-cut craft sticks, create supports for the legs. Secure the rounded ends of the sticks to each side of both legs, and then attach the flat, angled ends to the base by applying glue.

Step 13 :

Cut a piece of the last craft stick to a length of approximately 2.5 inches (6cm) to serve as the generator's crank handle. Using a drill, make a hole about 3/8 inch (1cm) from each end of the stick.

Step 14 :

Using a wooden skewer, cut a section that is approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) in length. Then, insert the skewer into the hole located at the rounded end of the handle and secure it in place using glue.

Step 15 :

Affix the crank handle onto the opposite end of the pulley shaft, ensuring that the wooden skewer on the other side is pointing outward. Use hot glue to fasten it securely in place.

Step 16 :

Identify a suitable location for the motor at the center of the base, ensuring that it is a sufficient distance away from the pulley to create tension in the rubber band. Once located, use glue to secure the motor in place and stretch the rubber band over its shaft

Slice another disk from a glue gun stick that measures approximately 6mm in thickness. Insert the tip of a skewer into the center of the disk, but avoid pushing it all the way through. Next, slide the glue stick disk onto the motor shaft.

Step 17 :

Connect one end of the 150 k2 resistor to either of the motor terminals without any preference. Using the crocodile wires, attach one clip to the open end of the resistor and the other clip to the other motor terminal.

Step 18 :

Attach the other ends of the two wires to the two legs of the LED, and the generator will be all set to operate.

Step 19 :

Spin the generator's handle and confirm that the motor's shaft is spinning. Keep in mind that LEDs only light up when the current flows in one direction, so if it doesn't light up, it may indicate that the current is flowing in the incorrect direction. You can switch the handle's direction or switch the crocodile clips attached to the LED to reverse the current's direction from the motor.

Observation

If you were to make a simple DIY electric generator using the materials and instructions provided in the above steps, there are several points you may observe.

The speed of rotation affects the amount of electricity produced: The faster you spin the spool, the more electricity will be generated. You may notice that the LED light or other device gets brighter as you increase the speed of rotation.
The polarity of the magnet matters: The direction in which the magnet is oriented inside the coil can affect the direction of the current generated. You may notice that the LED light or other device only works when the magnet is oriented in a specific way.
The design of the generator can be improved: This basic generator can be improved in many ways to produce more electricity, such as using stronger magnets, more turns of wire on the coil, or a more efficient design. You may notice that the generator produces very little electricity and that there is room for improvement
Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This law states that a changing magnetic field can induce an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor, which in turn can produce an electric current. In the generator, the spinning magnet creates a changing magnetic field that induces an EMF in the copper wire coil, which then produces a small electric current. The speed of rotation, the strength of the magnet, and the number of turns in the coil can all affect the amount of electricity produced. This principle is the basis for many types of electric generators, including the ones used in power plants to produce electricity for homes and businesses.

I know that explaining Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction to kids can be a bit tricky, but I'll do my best!"

Faraday's law is a rule that explains how electricity can be created by moving magnets near wires. You might have played with magnets before and noticed that they can stick to certain materials, like metal. Well, it turns out that magnets can also make electricity!

When a magnet moves near a wire, it creates a kind of "push" that moves electrons inside the wire. Electrons are tiny particles that carry electricity. When the electrons start moving, they create an electrical current, which is like a flow of electricity. This is how we can create electricity from a moving magnet.

Faraday's law tells us that the amount of electricity we can create depends on how fast the magnet is moving and how strong the magnetic field is. The magnetic field is like an invisible force that surrounds the magnet and helps it stick to things. The stronger the magnetic field, the more electricity we can create.

So that's the basic idea of Faraday's law - moving magnets can create electricity!

Overall, Faraday's law is all about the relationship between electricity and magnetism. By understanding how these two forces interact, we can create all kinds of devices and technologies, from electric generators to MRI machines.

Online after-schools and summer camps

You and your children are looking for nice activities to have fun and learn new things ans skills. Come join us starting in May and this summer for more online classes such as:

Python coding for kids and teens
Coding for elementary school students
Make video games
Electronics
Digital modeling (Create cars, rockets, rings, etc) for 3D printing
and much more

Other cute things to make and hand-crafts for kids

If you are looking for more ideas for STEM projects to do with your kids, take a look at these other activities:

Newsletter, follow, subscribe and like the social medias

If you like online STEM activities, consider subscribing to the newsletter and social medias for updates and don't miss any STEM events. Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter at the bottom of our website ''www.makersgeneration.net'' for more events, tutorials and freebies.

Subscribe to the Facebook group if you have yet registered. Content and tutorials are shared daily: Create and build STEM project for kids

We can be reached at: contact@makersgeneration.net if any questions.

Happy pi day to you!

See you on soon.