Neat trick with a battery and a piece of wire

Science

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homopolar_motor

You don't really need a magnet, it is just used to make the "-" contact reachable for the wire.

No, the magnet is definitely needed. Check the Wikipedia link I posted above.

wear gloves duh

It would!'t electrocute you...Its only a Battery. It doesn't contain anywgere close to electrocute a human being.

Thank you guest for sharing that peice of common sense which isn't that common lol