Dynamo

The "Dynamo" STEM kit is an engaging and instructive resource that immerses children in the science of energy conversion and electromagnetism. By constructing this human-powered device, young minds will discover how physical effort can be transformed into electrical energy. This direct experience imparts an understanding of the fundamentals of kinetic energy—the energy of motion—and its conversion into electrical energy through the dynamo principle. This principle, central to the operation of the kit, demonstrates how energy can change forms but is neither created nor destroyed, echoing the law of conservation of energy.

Within the mechanism of the dynamo, learners are introduced to the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. They will explore how a magnetic field interacts with an electric circuit to produce an electric current, a fundamental concept discovered by Michael Faraday. As they turn the handle of the dynamo, children observe the practical application of Faraday's law, gaining insight into how the movement of the magnets relative to coils of wire generates an electric current. The "Dynamo" STEM kit not only educates about the underlying physics but also instils a sense of accomplishment as children power lights or small devices, connecting the dots between science, technology, and real-world applications.