About This Workshop

Put a fluorescent bulb in your hand. Get it near the Tesla coil. The bulb lights up - no screwing it in, no touching. Students build their own coil from scratch, take it home, and spend the next year teaching others about the magic of inductors and AC electricity that almost made Nikola Tesla a household name.

What Students Will Do

  • 📚 Learn the Science - Understand resonance, electromagnetic fields, and wireless power
  • 🔧 Wind Copper Wire - Create the secondary coil by hand-winding hundreds of turns
  • 🔌 Solder the Circuit - Build the driver circuit that powers the coil
  • 💡 Test It! - Light CFL bulbs wirelessly with their own Tesla coil
  • 🏆 Take It Home - Students keep their working mini Tesla coil!

What Students Will Learn

Electromagnetic Fields

How changing electric currents create magnetic fields that induce currents at a distance.

Resonance

Why matching frequencies between coils creates dramatic energy transfer.

Wireless Power

Tesla's dream of wireless electricity - and how we're finally using it today.

Nikola Tesla

The genius inventor who pioneered AC power, radio, and so much more.

Safety Information

  • High Voltage, Low Current - Tesla coils produce impressive arcs but at safe current levels
  • No Touching During Operation - Clear safety protocols during demonstrations
  • Supervised Soldering - Small groups ensure close attention to hot tools
  • Safety Glasses Required - Eye protection during all build phases
  • Mini Coils Are Safe - Take-home coils run on 9V battery at safe levels

Why Schools Love This Workshop

  • Pure Wow Factor - Lightning and wireless power capture everyone's attention
  • Real Electronics - Students solder and build real working circuits
  • Physics Made Visible - Electromagnetic concepts become tangible
  • Historical Connection - Learn about Nikola Tesla's revolutionary work
  • Take-Home Project - Students keep demonstrating at home for months
  • Unique Experience - No other program offers this!

Workshop Details

  • Format: One-time workshop with demonstrations and build phases
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Group Size: Maximum 10 students
  • Space Needed: Tables, outlets, and room for demonstrations
  • Equipment: All included - mini Tesla coil kits, soldering stations
  • Takeaway: Students keep their working mini Tesla coil!

Perfect For

  • Physics Classes - Electromagnetism, resonance, AC/DC current
  • STEM Showcases - Dramatic demonstration that draws crowds
  • Advanced Students - Ages 10+ ready for detailed electronics
  • Maker Spaces - Add high-voltage excitement to your program
  • Science Fairs - Students can demonstrate their coils at events