Small Electric Motor (round shape)
Motor Shaft Pulley
Just the size to fit on the drive shaft of ELEC.13 and ELEC.45. This wee bit makes
it easy to transfer the rotational energy of the motor shaft to another pulley or wheel
via a rubber band.
ELEC.21 $1.00 each
Small Electric Motor, round, with motor shaft pulley
This consists of one item ELEC.13 plus one item ELEC.21. Highly recommended for
battery-operated cars, in tandem with PULL.07 on the car axle to form a two-pulley plus
elastic band "power transfer" arrangement, similar to a fan belt system in a
regular automobile.
ELEC.22 $5.75 each
Motor Mounting Clip
Plastic mounting clip to securely attach the round motors (items ELEC.22, ELEC.13 and
ELEC.45) to a flat surface. Self-adhesive base.
ELEC.23 $1.50 each
Alligator Clips
(Clips only, no wire!) Non-insulated metal spring-loaded clips for electrical connections.
With these and some plain copper wire, you can make your own custom-length Jumper
Clip Wires.
ELEC.02 1.25" length, single $0.50 each
ELEC.18 1.25" length, package of 10 $3.95/pkg
ELEC.27 2" length, single $0.75 each
ELEC.28 2" length, package of 10 $6.95/pkg
Jumper Clip Wire
Easy and elegant electrical circuits! Also known as Alligator Clip Wire. Not
to be confused with plain old ordinary Alligator Clips (above). Insulated copper
wire (18" long) with an insulated alligator clip on each end.
ELEC.26 package of 10 $8.95/pkg
ELEC.30 single $1.00 each
Copper Wire, solid
Solid conductor wire, copper with vinyl coating. Just what you need to complete
experimental electrical circuits. The 22 gauge wire is also known as "bell
wire" or "hook up wire". The 18 gauge wire is thicker and more stiff,
and some folks find it easier to work with. Note: The copper conductor of this wire
may or may not be coated with a thin layer of tin (depends on the
manufacturer/supplier). This is to make soldering easier, and does not affect the
conductivity of the wire, only the colour of the actual metal conductor. (This wire
does not have to be soldered, it can be used as is.)
ELEC.16 22 gauge (pretty thin) $0.25/foot
ELEC.70 22 gauge (100 foot roll) $8.95/roll
ELEC.24 18 gauge (thicker) $0.25/foot
ELEC.25 18 gauge (10 metre coil) $5.00/roll
Nickel-Chromium Wire (Ni-Chrome Wire)
Used to perform resistance experiments with electricity. A short piece of this wire
gets REALLY hot when connected to a circuit, even with only one single D cell.
(Warning: Can cause burns if used improperly - Believe me, I know! Fire hazard!)
Here's an experiment: Using the proper safety precautions, try to get it to actually glow,
like the filament in a light bulb. This material is bare wire only, with no coating.
Priced per metre, packaged in one metre lengths, because that is how most teachers
request it. (It is also much easier to handle in these short lengths - up to one
metre. Longer lengths tend to tangle and kink too easily.) If you require a
continuous piece of ni-chrome wire greater than 1 metre in length, please indicate the
full length you wish and be sure to mention that you want it in one continuous
piece. Otherwise, it is normally packaged in 1 metre lengths.
ELEC.76 22 gauge $1.00/metre
ELEC.71 32 gauge $1.00/metre
Magnet Wire
Spool of 400 feet 32 gauge solid conductor copper wire, enamel coated. Excellent for
making electromagnets with a nail and a battery, or for winding your own armatures to make
working model electrical motors. This stuff is really thin, and difficult to handle if you
take it off the spool. NOT for everyday classroom circuit wiring.
ELEC.59 $5.95/spool
Contact or Toggle Switch ("Knife Switch") (blue base)
An economy switch designed for low-voltage circuit applications. Used as is, it is
designed for applications that require continuous flow of current once switch is closed
(like a typical wall switch). Simple bending upwards of the contact
"handle" makes this into a push switch for applications that require momentary
completion of circuits (like a doorbell). Made from durable moulded plastic
with metal Fahnestock clips for wire attachments.
ELEC.04 $1.50 each
Classic Knife Switches
These are the style of electrical switch that is popular with model train enthusiasts and
in Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory. Rectangular plastic bases. The ones with
posts provide an easier connection when using plain stripped wire ends, as the connection
is simply a finger-tightened knob and does not require any tools. The ones without
posts usually require a screwdriver to make connections with bared wire, but either can be
used with Jumper Clip Wire. Single Throw just means simple on and off positions.
Double Throw means you can create "Circuit 1 - Off position - Circuit 2"
arrangements. I'm not sure what special applications you would use the "Double
Pole Double Throw" one for, but it looks cool.
ELEC.96 Switch, "classic" knife switch, SPST
(single pole single throw) with posts $4.95 each
ELEC.97 Switch, "classic" knife switch, SPDT
(single pole double throw)
$4.95 each
ELEC.98 Switch, "classic" knife switch, SPDT
(single pole double throw) with posts $4.95 each
ELEC.99 Switch, "classic" knife switch, DPDT
(double pole double throw)
$5.95 each
Contact Key / Telegraph Key
Also known as a Tapping Key, as in tapping out Morse Code. Can also be used as a
simple momentary on/off switch for lights, buzzers, etc. Mounted on a bakelite base,
easy screw and post attachments for wires.
ELEC.54 $6.95 each
Mini Light Bulb, screw base
Also known as mini electric lamps, or lamp bulbs. The 1.5 volt ones are likely to
burn out if attached to more than 1 battery. 1.5 and 2.5 volt work on one
battery (AA, C or D cell). The 2.5 volt ones are the most popular, as they will work
with either 1 or 2 batteries. The 3.5 volt bulbs will only feebly work with one
battery, as they are designed to have more voltage applied. The 6 volt bulbs are
designed for use with the large 6 volt square or rectangular lantern-type batteries.
All will fit screw base bulb holders below (ELEC.15, ELEC.31 and ELEC.94).
ELEC.50 1.5 volt, single bulb $1.50 each
ELEC.51 1.5 volt, set of 10 $12.95/set
ELEC.14 2.5 volt, single bulb $1.50 each
ELEC.29 2.5 volt, set of 10 $12.95/set
ELEC.39 3.5 volt, single bulb $1.50 each
ELEC.40 3.5 volt, set of 10 $12.95/set
ELEC.43 6 volt, single bulb $1.50 each
ELEC.44 6 volt, set of 10 $12.95/set
Mini Bulb Sockets/Holders
Screw base for Mini Light Bulbs (above). ELEC.15 is small brass socket only, with no
plastic base. ELEC.31 has the black (or white) plastic base style pictured above.
ELEC.94 comes with Fahnestock clips and a flat blue plastic base (similar style to
the blue base switches ELEC.03 & ELEC.04 - see above). ELEC.73 has a red base,
slightly larger in diameter than the blue one (ELEC.94).
ELEC.15 brass - no base $1.00 each
ELEC.31 "Classic" bulb holder $1.50 each (Usually
either black or white plastic. Sorry, no colour choice. It depends on what our
supplier sends us.)
ELEC.94 blue base $1.50 each
ELEC.73 red base $1.50 each
Mini DC Buzzer
Designed for battery operation, works with as little as 1.5 volts DC (single AA, C or D
cell). We have customers who purchase these to make a "game show" set up
for a panel of students to answer questions. If the buzzer does not work when you
hook it up, try reversing the battery connections, as the polarity must be correct.
ELEC.05 $5.95 each
Battery Holders
All are easily connected to circuits using alligator or jumper clip wire, or if supplied
with +/- wire leads attached, use the small portion of already-exposed metal at the wire
tips to make your connetions. Stripping of the plastic coating to expose more metal
(supposedly for a "better connection") is not recommended, as the wire is fairly
thin and can easily be cut by mistake.
ELEC.32 9V snap clip with wire leads $0.50 each
Note: most of our products are NOT designed to be used with 9V batteries.
ELEC.78 Holds 2 AA batteries, +/- wires attached $1.75 each
ELEC.101 Holds 1 C cell, +/- wires attached $1.95 each
ELEC.102 Holds 2 C cells, +/- wires attached
$2.45 each
ELEC.84 Holds 1 D cell, +/- wires attached $1.95 each
ELEC.89 Battery Holder for D cell, blue plastic, multiples can be arranged
as series or parallel connections $2.95 each
Batteries
We have AA, C and D cell batteries available. 1.5 volts each.
BATT.04 single AA cell $0.50 each
BATT.06 single C cell $1.00 each
BATT.02 single D cell $1.00 each
Student Voltaic Cell
An example of the first type of battery ever invented. Basic type of voltaic cell
for demonstrating the characteristics of primary cells. A variety of electrodes (see
below) and electrolytes can be used. Comes with 1 copper and 1 zinc electrode, 2
jumper clip wires, electrode support ring, electrode support hardware and instructions.
ELEC.20 Complete with Mason jar $21.95
each
ELEC.49 YOU supply Mason jar $19.95 each
Mason Jar
For above voltaic cell, or for canning pickles. 500 ml capacity, lid not included.
JAR.01 $2.00 each
Electrode Elements
Flat strips of metal, 5 inches long by 3/4 inch wide (except for ELEC.11) used with
the Student Voltaic Cell above, OR use them to make your own fruit-powered clock!
ELEC.06 Nickel electrode element $5.00 each
ELEC.07 Aluminum electrode element $2.00 each
ELEC.08 Iron electrode element $2.00 each
ELEC.09 Lead electrode element $3.00 each
ELEC.10 Copper electrode element $3.00 each
ELEC.11 Carbon electrode element (round) $3.00 each
ELEC.12 Zinc electrode element $3.00 each
ELEC.47 Brass electrode element $3.00 each
ELEC.79 Tin plated iron or nickel $1.00 each
ELEC.91 Bronze $7.00 each
ELEC.92 Stainless Steel $5.00 each
ELEC.93 Magnesium $6.00 each
Ebonite Rods
Rub with different types of cloth to produce small amounts of static electricity.
ELEC.52 $3.95 each
TOPS Module #19 - Electricity
This book begins with task cards that investigate the nature of like and unlike charges,
establishing the reason why current flows through wire. Students then improvise bulb
and battery holders and build a variety of different switches. They’ll then
configure them in parallel and series arrangements, using Ohm’s Law to predict how
the current will flow. Your class will construct all manner of wonderful inventions:
galvanometers, variable resistors, fuses, electroscopes, wet cells, storage cells,
ammeters and more. They’ll even split water and recombine the gasses in a safe
mini-explosion (Don't panic, it's just a "pop"). Book of 36 lessons for
grades 8 to 12.
TOPS.19 Electricity $26.00
TOPS Module #32 - Electricity
Circuits are fun to build. But poor contact points or loose connections can often
make it a frustrating experience, especially for younger students. Not to worry!
Using no more than paper clips, rubber bands, clothespins and pennies, your
students will build bulb holders, battery holders and switches that are virtually
goof-proof. Gone is the tangle of copper wire that must be twisted and untwisted.
It is replaced by flexible, tangle-proof ribbon - aluminum foil backed by masking
tape. Because they are flat, these ribbons can be joined into electrically secure
connections with paper clips. Simple, inexpensive, easy to do - you and your class
will love Electricity. Book of 20 lessons for grades 3 to 8.
TOPS.32 Electricity $26.00
Toy Motor Kit
Build a working electric DC motor from parts supplied in the kit. This toy motor
illustrates on a small scale the basic components and essential features of electric
motors. This is a challenging project, not really suited for younger students.
Comes with detailed assembly instructions and 8 experiments. Note that this
item, although a working model motor, is unlikely to actually provide any useful
rotational power to anything. (For example, don't plan on installing it in a small
battery-operated car, as it is unlikely to be able to run it.) Requires 1 AA battery
(not included). Technically for ages 12 and up, but I think it is challenging enough
to be classified for ages 14 and up.
ELEC.56 $8.95 each
World's Simplest Motor Kit
Easy and fun to build, for ages 8 and up. Requires one D cell battery. Uses a
small permanent disk magnet (included). This small model motor actually works, but
it is not strong enough to power anything. Provides a good model of how a DC motor
works. Comes with instructions.
ELEC.104 $6.95 each
Basic Battery Car Kit
Build a simple battery-operated car that will scoot across the floor under its own
power. Not much to look at, as it is basically a flat piece of plastic with wheels,
a motor and a power source. But most of the parts can be easily disassembled to be
used to create many other battery-powered units.
KITT.25 $16.95 each
See some examples of Battery-Powered
Vehicles made by Calgary students.
TEACHERS! We can design custom electrical vehicle kits to fit your budget. In the Calgary area, we can also do a FREE 90 minute student workshop on simple electrical circuits and building a battery operated vehicle. Call for bookings. No obligation to purchase materials from Science Is..., but please allow us to distribute parts lists for the use of your students. Most teachers find this quite useful, as students often complain about not being able to locate the parts needed for the project. If they decide to purchase materials from Science Is... through the school workshop, we will pack each student’s order individually & we offer FREE delivery to the school to fit your schedule. |
Solar Educational Kit
Discover the principles of photovoltaics, turning light into electricity.
Photovoltaics are used to power spacecraft today, and will provide clean abundant power
for the future. Kit includes a solar cell, motor, solar energy information booklet
with background scientific information, several feet of wire for "remote"
capture of solar energy, as well as a propeller and plastic disks ("turntables")
to fit on the end of the motor shaft. Ages 10 to adult.
SOLR.12 $19.95 each
Radiometer
This has got to be the coolest science toy around! A clear glass bulb, partially
evacuated, contains 4 vanes or wings balanced on a virtually frictionless pin bearing.
The vanes are black on one side, white on the other. When placed in sunlight
or under a bright incandescent lamp, the vanes will spin around. The brighter the
light, the faster the vanes will spin. Very fragile, for ages 12+.
SOLR.08 $18.95 each
Leyden Jar
A simple capacitor. Charge it with static electricity.... holds a charge for hours,
even if taken apart. Duplicate the famous accident of 1746. Two aluminum cans
of 473 ml ("one pint") capacity, polystyrene dielectric jar, aluminum electrode,
instructions with lab activities. You can use the ebonite rods we sell or the Van de
Graaf Generators we have available for rent as your source of static electricity.
Grades 5 - 12.
VAND.07 $49.95 each