Workshops

Holiday workshops: Magnets and motors (ages 15–18)

Build an electromagnet, and construct two types of motor to learn how electricity and magnetism are linked.

An adult and student experimenting with a fan
Image credit: The Royal Institution

In this workshop students will improve their understanding of how magnetism and electricity are linked by looking at the history of electromagatism and discovering the important electromagnetic principles which drive our modern world.

Following a practical reminder of basic magnetic principles, students will see how liquids can be magnetised. After making an electromagnet and a demonstration of Faraday’s original electric motor, they will build a simple battery powered motor that uses similar principles. Finally the students will be challenged to build a working DC motor.

This workshop is strictly for ages 15–18 only. We reserve the right to refund or deny entry to those who are not in this age range.

Please note that closed toe shoes must be worn as this workshop takes place in our lab.

This workshop will include a 30 minute unsupervised lunch break. Students should bring their own lunch and a drink.

Refunds can only be issued for tickets cancelled at least two weeks (14 calendar days) in advance of the event date. Please note that this supersedes our normal event terms and conditions.

About the L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre

The L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre (LYSC) is an imaginative science laboratory at the heart of the Ri, where young people aged 7–18 can experiment and explore science and technology outside the classroom. In an LYSC workshop, students become a scientist for the day, testing their own ideas by designing creative experiments. The whole experience ignites a passion for scientific discovery and encourages curiosity-driven learning.

Students are given the time and space to experiment. Not constrained by time to produce a ‘right’ result, students work as professional research scientists do: in response to their observations, encouraging curiosity-driven learning. And just as in the best research laboratories, students have access to advanced technology and experiments outside the remit of the normal school curriculum, making this an experience to remember.

For any queries regarding this workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

Support to attend holiday workshops

The Potential Trust may be able to offer financial assistance to enable children to participate in Ri events and activities if this would otherwise be financially difficult. Please contact Anna Comino-James preferably via telephone on +44 (0)1844 351666, or at their new email address potentialtrust@gmail.com. Once a bursary is agreed, you will make your workshop bookings directly with the Ri.

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions