Unit 8: Transforming Energy

In the first case study, students explore how magnets can exert a force on other magnets and magnetic materials without coming into contact with each other. They first investigate the relationship between the number of magnets in a system and the size of the magnetic field produced, and then investigate how the amount of potential energy stored within a system of interacting magnets can change when the distance between the magnets changes.

Once students understand the basic principles of magnetism, they build simple electric motors using permanent magnets and electromagnets and test the factors that affect how fast the motor spins.

In the third case study, students apply what they know about magnets, forces, energy transfer, and generators to engineer a vertical-axis wind turbine that generates a specific amount of electrical energy in both low and high wind speeds.