Project 31 - Potentiometer Motor "K-12 JUNO STEM KIT"

What You Can Build Using K-12 JUNO STEM KIT

In the "Potentiometer Motor" project from the K-12 JUNO STEM Kit, children assemble a simple circuit to dynamically control the speed of a DC motor using a potentiometer (variable resistor or dial). Turning the potentiometer adjusts the resistance and changes the speed of the motor, making it go faster, slower, or even stop—all in real time. This interactive STEM activity links hands-on control with physical movement, mirroring real-world devices like fans, toy cars, and robots.

What You Can Learn

• Variable Resistance: Kids understand how a potentiometer works, changing circuit resistance and controlling the amount of current sent to the motor.

• Motor Speed Regulation: Learners experience direct control over motor speed, and with programmable circuits, they can even manipulate rotational direction.

• Basic Circuit Assembly: Students build the motor circuit on a breadboard or kit, connecting power, potentiometer, and DC motor, and may explore optional Arduino or driver modules for precision control.

• Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): With microcontroller support, kids grasp how digital signals can simulate analog speed changes for smooth motor operation.

Real Life Problem Solving

• Troubleshooting: If the motor won't start or varies erratically, students assess connections, potentiometer position, voltage, and component function for logical diagnosis.

• Device Understanding: The project demonstrates real fan dimmers, RC car speed knobs, robotic actuators, and mixers found in everyday technology.

• Design Thinking: Learners experiment with different resistances, explore programmable speed curves, and innovate on interactive kinetic devices.

Additional Benefits

• Creativity: Children are encouraged to use their motor for moving models, windmills, vehicle prototypes, or automata.

• Collaboration: Teamwork flourishes as groups wire, test, and invent together.

• Confidence: Direct manipulation builds excitement and mastery—students see their actions produce real, visible results.

• Foundation for Future Learning: The project is a launchpad to robotics, automation, advanced electronics, and engineering design.

Why Potentiometer Motor Matters

Potentiometer Motor projects bring power and precision together in a single dial—inviting every child to explore physics, engineering, and invention. Every rotation makes science real and tangible.

With Project 31: Potentiometer Motor, every child gets the chance to set ideas in motion—literally!