Dowling Magnets Electric Motor/Generator Science Discovery Kits

by Dowling Magnets

Product Features

• Explore the wonders of electricity by building a motor/generator that actually powers a light bulb
• This kit includes a disc, latch and neodymium magnets, compass, wire, sand paper, spring, paper clips, pre-drilled wood block
• Includes iron cores, nuts, nails, screws, bolts, light emitting diode, plastic plates and tubes and an experiment/project book

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 6.4 x 9 inches ; 1.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0006O8RA0
• Item model number: SDK200
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,569 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Explore the wonders of magnets! Power a light bulb, build a generator, design a super fast motor, make chimes, buzzers, your own private telegraph system, and much, much more!

Product Description

Explore the wonders of electricity by building a motor/generator that actually powers a light bulb. This kit includes a disc, latch and neodymium magnets, compass, wire, sand paper, spring, paper clips, pre-drilled wood block, iron cores, nuts, nails, screws, bolts, light emitting diode, plastic plates and tubes and an experiment/project book.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, December 26, 2009

By 

S. Lentz (McLean, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Dowling Magnets Electric Motor/Generator Science Discovery Kits (Toy)

A well meaning relative bought this for our 7 year old son, so I've been assembling it myself. The generator simply refuses to work after multiple attempts to construct it. And yes, I've checked the magnet polarity and I've tested the coil with a multimeter. Either the LEDs are bad or it's just not generating enough voltage. The picture on the box suggests the coil needs more than described in the instructions, so perhaps I'll try that tomorrow.

This might be well suited to junior high school science if done with experienced supervision and plenty of spare parts, but as a home learning kit it fails.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Too difficult, January 30, 2010

By 

Kimberly Severs (Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dowling Magnets Electric Motor/Generator Science Discovery Kits (Toy)

This "toy" is way too difficult to put together. Once it was put together - HOURS later - it did not work. I was going to use to in a classroom to demonstrate electromagnets and how they are the base for so many things we use today. Ended up having to use a video because the product did not work.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars You'll need a multimeter, June 3, 2010

By 

Emmie (Oregon) - See all my reviews

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Dowling Magnets Electric Motor/Generator Science Discovery Kits (Toy)

First of all, you do need to wrap the core as much as they say. Either put a movie on and wrap as you watch, or make their winder they recommend.

I was able to measure the results, but I was using a multimeter, not the LED.

Also, you'll have to bend the core with your hands. Don't use a pair of pliers.