This movie shows a simple motor powered by two 1.5V cells. The paper clips are connected to the cells.

The coil of copper wire becomes a magnet when the current flows through it. This electromagnet (the coil of copper wire) is attracted and repelled by the ring magnet sitting on top of the plastic cup. This design was copied from the London Science Teaching website. If you don't have Flash Player 8 or higher installed you will be prompted to install it.