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magnetic field posts

Our quiet Sun is starting to wake up News

by David Shaw, 24 September 2020 | 1 comments

Solar flares on the surface of the sun. Active and less active.

The Sun is a colossal raging ball of heat. Atoms are fused together in its crushing depths, releasing awesome amounts of energy and spewing gigantic flares from its surface. But for the past few years, the Sun has been calmer than usual.

Continue reading Our quiet Sun is starting to wake up

Confuse a compass with electricity Activity

by David Shaw, 9 July 2020 | 0 comments

Image of a compass on a piece of wire.

By Beth Askham and David Shaw Did you know that electricity and magnetism are closely related phenomena? In this activity, you’ll create a magnetic field using electricity and find that this can cause chaos for a compass!

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Drop the needle! Activity

by David Shaw, 11 July 2019 | 0 comments

Flame heating a needle held in place by a magnet.

Think you understand magnets? In this hands-on activity, use a magnet to make a needle float and then fall.

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Make a magnetic rocket Activity

by Carol Saab, 15 August 2013 | 3 comments

Woman looking at magnets on a track

What happens when your rocket fuel is magnetic force? Our latest video shows you how to make a rocket using super strong rare-earth magnets, skewers, ball bearings and blu-tack. Check it out in slow-mo and watch for something rather curious…

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Make a magnetic rail gun Activity

by Carol Saab, 1 August 2013 | 1 comments

Hand holding a ring launcher that looks like a rod with a handle

Electricity, magnets, momentum and cool slow-mo footage. It’s all in our video: take a look!

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Migration mysteries News

by Pat, 3 May 2013 | 0 comments

Black-winged stilt wading in water.

When the weather gets colder, do you sometimes wish you could pack up and head somewhere warmer? Many species of animals do this – it’s called migration.

Continue reading Migration mysteries