Pick-Up Stick Electromagnet Activity
SKU# 1821-98
Thwack, Thomp, CRASH – you broke through the crust! The clock is ticking as you race with your electromagnet to gather iron and load it onto the spaceship. This is way more than just a magnet on a stick, your Pick-Up Stick was custom engineered by you with both an electromagnet and a grapple (claw) that grabs soup cans, paper clips, even candy. Made with TeacherGeek's custom aluminum wire, it’s never been easier to make your own super-powerful battery magnet.
Mining in space, hanging paperclips, sorting recyclables – free optional challenges and labs give you plenty of options to customize this activity. Activity Packs include Go Guides to get kids started and encourage innovation. Engage kids like never before as they explore circuits, magnetic materials, and electromagnet design. This activity is a real pick-me-up!
Scroll down to "Things You'll Need" for more info.
Age Range
Customize this activity for the highlighted ages with tons of free labs and challenges!
This is an educational product and not a toy. Adult supervision is required.
Videos
Documents
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Go Guide:
Give it to your students and go! This is the essential document to get students started with constructing their Pick-Up Sticks, culminating in the Space Mining Challenge.
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Go Guide: PDF | DOCX |
Start here! Build your Pick-Up Stick, evolve your design, and begin the Space Mining Challenge! |
Things You'll Need
You're going to need some stuff, but don't sweat it! You probably have it already.
Click a tab below to choose how you will complete this activity - that determines what you'll need.
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TeacherGeek Tools
REQUIRED
Screw Driver
Drive screws into holes.
optional
Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.
optional
Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items, etc.
optional
Reamer
Ream splines (teeth),
from holes so
dowels spin freely.
optional
Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.
Other Supplies
- AA Battery (To power your electromagnet)
- Bowl
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
- Any two of: rice, beans, small candies, crumpled paper
- Tape
- Recycling Bin Materials (optional - to incorporate into your design)
Activity Pack Components
What comes with the Pick-Up Stick?
The table shows what comes in each single kit. To see what comes in a 10-pack, just multiply by 10.| Component | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
 |
#10 25mm Screw | 5 |
 |
#10 50mm Screw | 3 |
 |
#10 Hex Nut | 5 |
 |
AA Single Battery Holder | 1 |
 |
Connector Strip | 3 |
 |
Mini Hub Screw | 4 |
 |
Perpendicular Block | 2 |
 |
Small Rubber Band | 2 |
 |
String - 60 cm (24 in) | 1 |
 |
Wire Roll | 1 |
Science, Math & Engineering Standards
TeacherGeek products fit proposals, grants or lesson plans with ease! Explore more resources below:
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NGSS Standards Spreadsheet: PDF | DOCX |
NGSS standards matrix for all TeacherGeek activities. |
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ITEEA Standards Spreadsheet: PDF | DOCX |
ITEEA standards matrix for all TeacherGeek activities. |
