Electricity to movement
Inside the motor, electricity and magnets push against each other. That push makes the middle of the motor spin, and the propeller spins with it.
Level 2 · Advance Leeuwenhoek · Ages 5–7
Biplane
How does a little motor make a propeller spin?
Fold a paper biplane with two sets of wings, fit a real motor and propeller, then connect it to a battery holder. Switch on and watch the propeller whirl!
What children make
- A folded paper body and two wings
- A small motor with fan blades
- A battery holder joined to the motor
- A landing gear to stand on
What you discover
- A motor turns electricity into spinning movement.
- The motor only spins when the circuit is a complete loop.
- Every connection matters: one loose join and the motor stops.
- A propeller's angled blades push air as they spin.
How it works
The science inside
A complete loop
Electricity has to travel from the battery, through the motor and back again. If there's a gap anywhere in the loop, the propeller won't turn.
Pushing air
Each propeller blade is tilted. As it spins, it pushes air backwards, just like a fan pushes air towards you.
Interactive exhibit
Try it: switch on the motor
Switch on the motor
S.A.M.'s safety tip
Keep fingers and hair away from the propeller while it spins.
Watch before you build
How a Circuit Works with T.I.M.
Electricity and circuits · 0:52
How a Circuit Works with T.I.M.
Why does a light turn on? T.I.M. builds a simple circuit with a battery, copper tape and an LED, then finds the gap that stops it working.
- A battery has a positive and a negative side
- Copper tape makes a path for electricity
- Open circuit: no light. Closed circuit: light!
Enquiries
Want to build this too?
Come and see what your child could build. Classes run in Rochedale, on Brisbane's southside. Send us a message and we'll help you find the right level.
