DIY Earth Magnetic Dipole
As an ornament,
or in a jar!
or in a jar!
A quick, easy, and fun DIY/STEAM* activity that can get people of all ages thinking about Earth's magnetic dipole field
To create the Earth magnetic dipole, all you need is:
1 small bar magnet
1 fillable plastic sphere
1 gyro
some string or wire
markers or stickers to decorate
clear plastic or glass jar (optional)
I'm currently working on getting the files and links up for this project, in the meantime, check out my videos and pictures below!
*DIY/STEAM: Do-It-Yourself/Science-Technology-Engineering-ART-Mathematics
The picture on the left was my original blueprint idea for the dipole jars. It involved trying to get the magnet to rotate, simulating magnetic excursions and reversals (either through shaking of the jar, spinning of the sphere, or by placing another magnet close enough to it to rotate the poles). It also involved placing magnetic filings on the outside of the sphere, suspended in air or mineral oil, which would illustrate the movement of the magnetic field. While I was able to create 3D-printed gyros and can simulate motion of the bar magnet, adding magnetic filings proved very messy and made the whole thing difficult to assemble. I ended up going the easy route for demonstrations and for outreach activities, getting rid of the filings entirely. The two videos on the right show the final product. I hope you enjoy!