The Inventors Projects

MAGNETIC LAUNCHER

We believe in projects that bring together science, art, and creativity, inspiring children to learn in a practical and engaging way

Discover, as a family, how this experience inspires curious minds and sparks children’s scientific interest. Together, we can:

  •  Reviewing the concepts learned in class
  • Explore the legacy of Mildred Dresselhaus, and understand the importance behind the Newton’s Third Law
  • Stimulate curiosity and encourage critical thinking in young inventors!

Let’s turn learning into a memorable and fun experience!

Let’s unleash our creativity

The Magnetic Launcher project allows young inventors to explore the fascinating world of Newton's Third Law

With this project, creativity comes to life, learning that are no limits to imagination. It is a practical and exciting journey through the world of magnetism and the laws of motion

Through this experience, using a Magnetic Launcher, young inventors, build a launcher that uses magnets to move metal spheres along a wooden track.

All of this takes place in a stimulating environment where children’s inventive and creative spirit is nurtured, promoting teamwork, spontaneity, and curiosity

About InspiringInventors

Mildred Dresselhaus

Mildred Dresselhaus

1930-2017

Was an American physicist, materials scientist, and nanotechnologist. She was an institute professor and professor of both physics and electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also served as the president of the American Physical Society, the chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as the director of science in the US Department of Energy under the Bill Clinton Government. Dresselhaus won numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, the Enrico Fermi Award, the Kavli Prize and the Vannevar Bush Award.

Ask Mildred Dresselhaus

The AI version of Mildred Dresselhaus answer your questions

This dialogue box uses artificial intelligence and is configured to respond exclusively to questions related to the project, its concepts and associated fields, as well as queries and curiosities about the history of each inventor. Questions outside this scope may not be answered. Always use under adult supervision.

Thank you for your understanding.

ConceptsCovered

Newton's Third Law

  • Newton’s Third Law: During a collision, there is an exchange of energy
    between the bodies involved. For instance, when a sphere collides with a magnet, its
    kinetic energy is transferred. But, interestingly, the magnet also transfers some energy
    back to the sphere. These forces are known as action-reaction forces. Rockets take
    advantage of this principle to move. By ejecting combustion gases, they are propelled in
    the opposite direction, creating thrust.

 

Magnetism

  • Magnetism : All magnets have distinct regions known as north and south poles. The
    north and south poles attract each other, while the other combinations (north-north and
    south-south) repel. As the first sphere approaches the magnet, it is attracted, gaining
    velocity. As it moves faster, it will collide with more force, resulting in the transfer of
    more energy.

Why this project?

The Magnetic Launcher project was created with three main objectives:

  1. Exploring the world of physics: In this project, the young inventors will  build a Magnetic Launcher, using magnets to move metal spheres along a wooden track. Then, they observe what happens when the spheres collide with the magnets, highlighting the transfer of energy between them. It provides a practical and interactive way to learn fundamental concepts in physics.
  2. Encouraging problem-solving: This experience also allows young inventors to spark  problem-solving in a real and meaningful context. It prepares young minds to become future engineers and scientists, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills in a world that requires creative solutions to complex challenges.
  3. Understaing the impact of these concepts in society: The understanding of Newton’s Third Law was fundamental for the development of movement-based technologies, such as vehicles and aeroplanes. Meanwhile, the study of magnetism has enabled advances in various areas, from the creation of electric motors to the use of data storage devices such as hard drives.

At the end of the sessions, children will also gain a newfound appreciation for the world of physics, celebrating their success by building their own Magnetic Launcher!

Together, let’s discover how this experience can launch curiosity!

Challenges for you

Ask your young inventor what excited them the most in class, or turn this topic into a bit of family fun, by playing with the Magnetic Launcher at home!

For the boldest ones, how about recording and sharing it with us on social media? We’d love to showcase that “competition”!

Link to Instagram

Together, let's attract creativity.

The Inventors UK
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