This classic science fair project appeared 75 years ago today, in all places, in the December 17 1943 issue of Life magazine.

The magazine carried an article extolling the virtues of the nation’s then 200 million electric motors. It concluded with these plans for making one at home with only a wooden block, 5 paper clips, 13 thumbtacks, and a spool of enameled wire.

The old fashioned dry cell battery is a nice touch, but an alkaline D cell will work just as well.  For those who wish to bypass the parts procurement process, here is an available kit: