Search Results

In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.

In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.

In this activity, learners create a simple “top” from a CD, marble and bottle cap, and use it as a spinning platform for a variety of illusion-generating patterns.

In this activity, a spinning bicycle wheel resists efforts to tilt it and point the axle in a new direction.

In this engineering design challenge, learners animate a facial expression and make a machine (zoetrope) that plays the animation back.

Trick your family and friends with this creepy crawler that moves up and down. In this activity, learners construct a circuit and motor device that will move a homemade spider in a spooky way.

In this activity (page 1 of PDF under SciGirls Activity: Pet Handedness), learners will construct a simple spinning top out of a circle of construction paper, a film canister lid, and a bamboo skewer.

Learners cut and fold a paper helicopter from the template in this PDF. They practice twirling the helicopter and observe what happens as they modify their tries.

In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.

Learn about friction and kinetic energy with this cool spinning toy.

In this activity, learners build a racecar using only a rubber band, spool, straw, and paper clip! This racer is a classic toy that zips across a flat surface.

In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.

In this activity, learners explore the history, design and motion of spinning tops. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own tops out of everyday items.

In this activity, learners build helicopters and launchers using wooden dowels and scrap paper. Use this activity to explore rotational motion and kinetic and potential energy.

In this physics activity, learners construct a small-scale version of a classic carnival game.

Build a glider that uses the same physics as a curve ball, for less than a dime.

In this activity, learners build a bird that flies in place with help from a motor, wire, and some straws.

In this activity, learners build an old-fashioned paddle boat out of simple materials.

In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.

Learn how to make and fly a paper helicopter! This simple activity includes a template (for the copter "blades") and instructions for folding, flying, and testing designs.