All Keystone Science videos

Electricity

Electric Motor

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

ElectricityBuildElectronics
Watch on YouTube

How it works

What this project is testing.

An electric motor turns current into motion. When current flows through a coil sitting in a magnetic field, the coil feels a twisting force.

Read more

This project demonstrates the basic motor idea: electricity creates magnetism, magnets push on current-carrying wire, and a simple commutator action keeps the spin going in one direction.

A current loop in a magnetic field feels torque that depends on current, coil area, field strength, and angle.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries for Smoke Detector, Electronics & Audio, Reliable, 5-Year Shelf Life
batterypower

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries

$12.694.7(242K)

General electronics battery pick; choose AA/AAA variants when the circuit calls for them.

View on Amazon
EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables
jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)
View on Amazon
BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire - Enameled Copper Wire - Enameled Magnet Winding Wire - 4 oz - 0.0098" Diameter 1 Spool Coil Natu
magnet wirewiring

BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire, Enameled Copper Winding Wire, 4 oz Spool

$12.984.6(387)
View on Amazon
TUOFENG 30 awg Wire Solid Core Hookup Wires-6 Different Colored Jumper Wire 100ft or 30m Each, 30 Gauge Tinned Copper Wire PV
copper wirewiring

TUOFENG 20 AWG Solid Core Hookup Wire Kit, 6 Colors

4.6(1,700)
View on Amazon
BOJACK 20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor 10 uH to 10 mH 1 W Color Ring Inductor 1 Watt Assortment Kit
inductor / coilpassive electronics

20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor Assortment Kit, 1uH to 4.7mH, 0.5W Color Ring Inductors

$13.994.8(182)
View on Amazon
EUDAX 6 Set DC Motors Kit, Mini Electric Hobby Motor 3V -12V 25000 RPM Strong Magnetic with Shaft Propeller, 2 x AA Battery Holder,9V Battery Clip Connector,Plastic Wheels for DIY Science Projects
electric motorelectromechanical

EUDAX 6 Set Mini DC Motors Kit, 3V-12V, with Propellers, Wheels, Battery Holders, and Connectors

$11.994.5(1,500)
View on Amazon
Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Wireless Transmission Experiment Desktop Toy Model SSTC SS02
Tesla coilhigh voltage

Joytech Bluetooth Music Tesla Coil Arc Plasma Loudspeaker Desktop Toy Model

$49.994.2(911)

High voltage/RF project. Prefer enclosed educational kits and add safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

View on Amazon
Plywood Board 20PCS 12" x8" x 1/12 inch Basswood Sheets Thin Wood Sheets Perfect for Arts Crafts School Projects and DIY Projects,Baltic Birch Sheets Perfect for Wood Burning…
woodfabrication

Plywood Board 20PCS 12 x 8 x 1/12 inch Basswood Sheets for Arts, Crafts, School Projects, and DIY

$19.994.6(2,300)
View on Amazon
LOVIMAG Strong Neodymium Disc Magnets with Double-Sided Adhesive
magnetmagnetics

DIYMAG Strong Neodymium Disc Magnets with Double-Sided Adhesive, 1.26 inch x 1/8 inch, Pack of 12

$15.994.4(22K)
View on Amazon
DSTELIN Binder Clips Paper Clamps Assorted Sizes 100 Count (Black), X Large, Large, Medium, Small, X Small and Micro, 6 Sizes in One Pack, Meet Your Different Using Needs.
paper clipsfabrication

DSTELIN Binder Clips Paper Clamps Assorted Sizes 100 Count (Black), X Large, Large, Medium, Small, X Small and Micro, 6 Sizes in One Pack, Meet Your Different Using Needs.

$7.994.8(14K)
View on Amazon
10 EcoSwift 12x12 Chipboard Cardboard Craft Scrapbook Material Scrapbooking Packaging Sheets Shipping Pads Inserts 12 inch x 12 inch Chip Board 12x12
paper/cardboardfabrication

EcoSwift 12x12 Chipboard Cardboard Craft Sheets, 10 Pack

$6.994.2(81)

Usable craft/fabrication material, but Amazon review evidence is thinner than the main bench-tool picks. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

View on Amazon
3M Scotch Vinyl Electrical Tape Super 88, 3/4 in x 44 ft, Black, 1 roll, Premium Grade, Rubber Resin Adhesive, PVC Backing, A
electrical tapefabrication

3M Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape

$4.534.8(2,814)
View on Amazon
Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count - Office Supplies, Quick Drying, Fade Resistant, For Wood, Plastic, Paper, Metal, And More
permanent markerfabrication

Permanent Markers, Fine Tip, Black, 12 Count - Office Supplies, Quick Drying, Fade Resistant, For Wood, Plastic, Paper, Metal, And More

$8.994.8(45K)
View on Amazon
Sand Paper, 48 PCS Sandpaper, 120 to 5000 Assorted Grit Sandpaper Sheets, 9 x 3.6 Inch Premium Wet Dry Sandpaper for Wood Fur
sandpaperfabrication

Fandeli Assorted Grit Sandpaper Sheets

$12.99
View on Amazon

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

Send the project name, outlet or audience, timing, location, and the context you want covered.

Email Keystone Science