Interactive Primary Newsletter 29 Technological Magic, Ears & Roamer

Technology is indistinguishable from magic1 What follows is a simple technological project that could be incorporated into a lesson on magnetism. Our technology/science project is a simple buggy made from a matchbox. No sawing, hammering or soldering is required. The items needed are: 1 matchbox; 1 drinking straw; 2 cocktail sticks; 4 reducers (4mm to 2mm); plasticine or blu-tack, and 3 magnets (opposite). Figure 1 What you will need Figures 2 and 3 show how the buggy is assembled. To make the buggy, cut the drinking straw to the width of the matchbox and tape it to the box as shown in Figure 2. Break or cut the sharp ends from the cocktail stick axle, place through the straw and push on the reducers as wheels. Blu-tack two magnets inside the matchbox tray and replace the tray. Figure 2 Attaching straws for cocktail sticks   Figure 3 Magnets placed in tray You now have a magnet buggy (Figures 3 and 4). Figure 4 Completed matchbox buggy Once complete, students can be asked what they think will happen when the third magnet is placed near the buggy! What will happen if the magnet is turned around? Is this magic? Hint - it is easier to push than pull the buggy with a magnet. 1 Arthur C. Clarke Lost Worlds of 2001 When the ear begins to hear and the eye begins to see