User Guide

-8-
Project #1
OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity is turned “ON” or “OFF”
with a switch.
Electric Light & Switch
Project #2
OBJECTIVE: To show how electricity is used to run a Direct
Current (DC) Motor.
Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 next
to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.
When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteries
(B1) through the motor (M1) making it rotate. Place the fan blade on
the motor shaft and close the slide switch. The motor will rotate forcing
the fan blade to move air past the motor.
In this project, you changed electrical power into mechanical power.
DC motors are used in all the battery powered equipment requiring
rotary motion, such as a cordless drill, electric toothbrush, and toy
trains that run on batteries just to name a few. An electric motor is
much easier to control than gas or diesel engines.
DC Motor & Switch
Build the circuit shown on the left by placing all the parts with a black 1 next
to them on the base grid first. Then, assemble parts marked with a 2.
Install two (2) “AA” batteries (not included) into the battery holder (B1)
and screw the bulb into the lamp socket (L1) if you have not done so
already.
When you close the slide switch (S1), current flows from the batteries
through the lamp and back to the battery through the switch. The closed
switch completes the circuit. In electronics this is called a closed circuit.
When the slide switch is opened, the current can no longer flow back to
the battery, so the lamp goes out. In electronics this is called an open
circuit.
!
WARNING: Moving parts. Do not touch the fan or
motor during operation.