[Independent Research] Let’s Make It with an Electromagnet! Handmade Toy Ideas

maglev (linear motor car)NEW!

[Maglev Train] DIY materials cost: just under 2,000 yen #maglev #craft

A lot of people must be eager to ride a maglev train as soon as possible! Maglev trains run using the same principle as electromagnets, specifically superconducting magnets.

This toy lets you enjoy a mini version of that concept! First, line up thin, round magnets on a sheet that serves as the track.

Lay copper wires along both sides.

Once you place a battery at the starting position, you’re all set! Imagine an aluminum rod as the maglev car and place it on the track; when you touch the battery to the copper wires, the aluminum rod will run along the track.

This experiment could be a great springboard to learn more about how maglev trains work.

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electromagnet craneNEW!

5-year electromagnetic crane

It’s a crane that can pick up anything that sticks to a magnet! First, make two holes near one end of a straw.

Thread enameled wire through one of the holes, wrap it around and around, then thread it through the other hole.

Lightly sand the ends of the enameled wire; connect one end to a battery holder and the other end to a paperclip.

The paperclip will act as the switch to operate the crane! Place the battery holder on a pair of chopsticks and secure the enameled wire as well.

Next, insert a nail through the straw and put batteries into the holder, and your crane is complete! If you decorate the outside in your favorite style, it’ll be fun to use.

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clip motorNEW!

How to make a clip motor and its principles

First, use a battery to wrap enamel wire around it a dozen or so times to make a loop.

After removing it from the battery, gather the coiled section together, firmly secure the enamel wire sticking out from both ends, and trim them so that each side is about the same length as the battery.

Next, sand the enamel wire at the two ends: sand one end all the way around, and sand only the top side of the other end.

Then unfold two paper clips lengthwise to make them long vertically, and tape them to the two terminals of the battery.

Finally, place a magnet on the battery, set the enamel-wire loop onto the paper clips, and the enamel wire will start spinning! It’s easy to make, so it’s also recommended as an introductory activity for a lesson on electromagnets.

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Hand spinner motorNEW!

Making Toys Using Electromagnets / Electromagnet Toys

We’ll make a hand spinner motor using a device that combines an electromagnet—made by winding copper wire around a screw—and a reed switch.

A hand spinner from a 100-yen shop is fine.

Remove the cap, attach a neodymium magnet, then set it on the device’s rod with the battery section facing downward.

The hand spinner will start spinning.

If you change the position of the reed switch, it may spin in reverse, so try placing it in various positions and have fun.

It could also be interesting to stick a rotational optical illusion image on top of the hand spinner!

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swingNEW!

Making Toys Using Electromagnets / Electromagnet Toys

Place a hollow magnet, made by winding a coil around a pen tube, on a swing constructed from wire and a plate.

Insert a neodymium magnet into the tube and cap it so it doesn’t pop out.

Then insert a central shaft with a figurine attached on top, and the moving assembly is complete.

Inside the swing’s supports, there’s a magnetic sensor and a neodymium magnet.

When you set the swing in motion, it curiously keeps swinging without stopping, and the amplitude naturally grows.

The figurine moves up and down, looking like it’s pumping hard, which is really cute!

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Running batteryNEW!

Three crafts with three materials and one principle! Perfect for a science project!! [Science toys you can make at home]

First, wrap the copper wire tightly around a long rod and then remove it, shaping it like a toy spring.

Since the battery will pass through the inside, the key is to wind it around a rod whose circumference is slightly larger than the battery’s.

Next, place neodymium magnets so that the same poles face each other and repel, then insert the battery between them and attach the battery to the magnets.

Now you’re ready! When you place this into the coiled copper wire you made first, the battery will start running as if it’s come to life.

It may not run depending on the insertion direction, so be sure to observe the orientation carefully.

If you present it like a magic trick, it might really wow your audience!

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Spinning flowerNEW!

Three crafts with three materials and one principle! Perfect for a science project!! [Science toys you can make at home]

First, shape the copper wire by coiling it so it can be wrapped around the battery.

Place the end of the coil on the battery’s positive terminal, and attach an artificial flower to the tip.

Lay a neodymium magnet under the battery’s bottom negative terminal.

And just like that, the flower will start spinning! Keeping the neodymium magnet and battery in the same positions, you can also form the copper wire so it hooks onto the battery and touches the positive terminal, then spin the copper wire as an introductory activity—highly recommended.

If you’re not confident in science or crafts, starting with something this simple can help build confidence for future projects!

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