Using common elements to explain electromagnetism to children: Remote Laboratory of Electromagnetic Crane

It is important to bring engineering to young people, and it is better to do so at an early age. In this case, the goal is to show children aged 10-15 years how electromagnetism works, and how we can find it in common tools that surround us. To do so, we are developing a remote laboratory that will be used in the sessions of science and technology in a school. Concept of electromagnetic crane has been chosen because a crane is a common tool. It is an object used in construction and in factories. Using electromagnet power to move metal objects is also a common concept that children can understand. Using these tools as an example, we seek to bring science to everyday life and promote the interests of children and young people in engineering and technology. The aim is to encourage them to seek education in engineering programs in the future, and teach them to understand and appreciate how important technology is. Initially, the laboratory will move left and right in a circumference of 350 degrees and permit up and down different preselected masses. Also, students can increase or decrease the voltage of the electromagnet to raise masses. The entire system will be accessible remotely by the student who will be able to move the crane, activate or deactivate the electromagnet, and lift or take down the masses. At the same time, the user interface displays the image of the laboratory and a graph showing the relationship between the power and its capacity to lift the mass every time the student applies voltage to the solenoid. All of this will allow us to see the effect that the applied voltage has over lifting the mass. This work in progress is associated with different learning environments to adjust the experience at different ages which range between 10 and 15 years. The students will interact with the remote laboratory from their homes, but also, the laboratory can be used in the classroom taking advantage of the data displayed through the user interface. Another objective is to show how engineering and science allow us to control remote objects and measure their effects through technology. Planting in students the seed of curiosity may be a good way to arouse the interest of future engineers.