Projects / Electromagnet Lab
Electromagnet Lab
Build a nail electromagnet with a logic-level MOSFET driver on a current-limited 2×AA supply and a laser-cut birch fixture for measured lift tests. Current in a coil → magnetic field → force. Keepable lab stand—not a craft throwaway. No AC mains. Ever.
Digital guide + cut files + BOM + code · Parts sourced separately · Ages 8–14 with adult help
Pack contents
- Fixture, coil form supports, clip tray SVGs
- Wind, drive, measure protocol
- First-principles: B-field, amp-turns, drivers
- Safe driver sketch with duty limits
- Verified BOM (~$26–62 hardware)
Typical hardware cost
Default structure is laser-cut birch plywood with real fasteners and hobby electronics you can source—honest BOM, not mystery modules.
- ~$26–62 in typical parts (makerspace cut toward the low end; mail-order toward the high end)
- Digital pack price ≠ hardware
The $7 pack is the digital guide + cut files + BOM + lessons + code, plus printable Builder's Corner build journal pages. Hardware is sourced separately — see Where to get kit materials. Buy with Stripe is live below.
Questions? Email us at lance.haney@gmail.com.
Pricing
- Home / Personal license $7
- Classroom license $29 — 1 teacher, up to 30 studentsOne $29 Classroom license covers one group of up to 30 students. Each additional group needs another license.
- Build materials available at cost + 10% — email for a quote
Learning outcomes
- Wind a coil; explain amp-turns qualitatively
- Drive with a logic-level MOSFET, flyback diode and 10 kΩ gate pull-down
- Measure lifting ability vs current / duty honestly
- Distinguish temporary vs permanent magnetism