In this exciting STEMMechanics workshop, children will become junior engineers as they design and build their very own working cardboard crane powered by an electromagnet! Guided step by step, they’ll discover how electricity and magnetism work together to move, lift, and control objects — just like in real-world machines.
Through hands-on exploration, your child will:
Experiment with electric circuits — learning how current flows and how to safely connect wires, batteries, and switches.
Create an electromagnet from simple materials, and see how turning electricity on and off controls the magnetic force.
Understand magnetic fields in action — testing how many paper clips or washers their crane can lift and improving their design.
Apply creative problem-solving and engineering thinking by adjusting coil turns, arm strength, and lever balance for better performance.
Collaborate and communicate with other young makers while learning real science through play.
By the end, each child takes home a crane that actually works — and a new appreciation for how electromagnets power everything from junkyard cranes to electric motors. It’s the perfect mix of creativity, discovery, and STEM learning — all wrapped in one fun, hands-on session!
Thanks to Tablelands Regional Council for making this workshop possible.
