Today class room science Tomorrow a profession

How an electric motor works is a topic in physics classes. The aim of the 2019 joint project was to reduce fear of contact with the technology, to stimulate students to think about basic technical-functional relationships and, moreover, to make it fun for the students. With an insight into our day-to-day operations, we wanted to interest the students in vocational training with us. Everything was done in close contact between our company and the school on the basis of a cooperation agreement and offered to the students as a voluntary project in their free time.

The students in the 10th grade were faced with a challenging goal:

You build an electric motor from a kit that works properly and then enter the world of industrial programming. The basis for this is a LOGO control with a separate display.

The students took measurements of voltages, currents and speeds and determined the dependence of the motor speed on the armature voltage. Then they programmed a hoist model. They programmed the display of speeds and temperatures on the display.

Good cooperation between the cooperation partners

We took on the following tasks as part of the project:

• Provision of the necessary materials, tools and measuring devices. Taxi transportation from school to us.
• Introducing the students to the electro-magnetic basics and testing the self-built motors. Measure and oscillograph voltage, current and speed. Trying out optimization options to improve running properties.
• Introduction of the students to the structure and programming of the Siemens LOGO.
• Instructions for the students in their programming work:
• Construction and programming of an elevator and temperature measurement.

The OK School took on the following tasks within the project:

• Presentation of the planned project at school with the aim of attracting students to participate.
• Support and supervision of the nine participating students by Mr. Jansen. Instructions and help in creating the final presentations.

Project progress​

• We provided the engine kits and provided the students with advice and action to the side. How an electric motor works is not easy to explain, even many adults cannot. But it showed up when the students once they built such an engine themselves, they could then understand how it worked. It was also fun, as you can see from the pictures.
• This pedagogical approach is called "action-oriented learning". We have set up a delimited "school laboratory" in the company's own test and test hall. Everything needed was available there.
• Even programming something is important for students in order to be successful in a future shaped by technology. In the course of the project, we turned to the world of programmable industrial systems.

The students used speed initiators and temperature sensors and showed the measured values ​​in displays.

Project completion

• Each of the three student groups made a presentation and explained the project, including a practical demonstration.
• The students made a very positive summary. On entertaining afternoons you learned a lot of new things from us and tried them out yourself.
• Each student received a certificate of attendance and a reward.
• The continuation of the cooperation project is planned for 2020.
• We want to visit the "Steinerne Renne" hydropower plant in Wernigerode with the whole class in spring.
• The last picture shows the students and their parents. We are happy about the lively interest of the parents and their many questions on the topic.