September 2013
Intermediate to advanced
268 pages
7h 4m
English
Content preview from Tinkering
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Chapter 3. Magnetism
Tinkering with Magnet Toys and an Electromagnetic Dancer
Figure 3-1. Electromagnetism in action
Magnets scream to kids: “Play with me!” When you pass out the magnets, kids will need at least 10 or 15 minutes to muck around with the magnets before you’ll be able to talk to them much or start into a predefined activity; inspired kids will need a full hour. The reason is clear: magnets give force across a distance without contact. Normally, this is the realm of science fiction, but here it is happening in the palm of your hand.[7]
In fact, after giving many magnet lessons over the years, I’ve come to believe that it’s sacrilegious, ...