Activity 1

In this activity you will learn about motors and generators. A generator uses mechanical motion to create electricity and a motor uses electricity to create mechanical motion. While this might not sound too important, it is the foundation of how our present society works. Nearly all of the electricity in our world is produced with enormous generators driven by steam or water pressure. Wires are used to efficiently transport this energy to homes (and businesses) where it is used. Then motors convert electricity back to mechanical form to drive machinery and appliances (computers, dishwashers...).

One of the most important aspects of our modern society is our ability to transport energy over long distances!