Bobbing Eyeballs

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In this activity, learners use simple materials and basic tools to construct a special toy to explore pendulums. As the head of the toy bobs one way, the eyeballs bob the other way. This lesson guide includes detailed construction instructions, information about how the toy works, and focus questions for learners. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Baseboard
  • 2in 1x2 piece of wood
  • 16in Dowel, 5/16 in diameter
  • Nail, small with head
  • Paint paddle
  • Styrofoam plate
  • 2 Film can lids (gray)
  • Weights (large nuts, 3/8 in or so)
  • 2 Beads
  • 2 Large paperclips
  • 2 Tacks (big head if possible)
  • 2 Pennies
  • Drill
  • Drill platform
  • 19/64in bit for drill
  • Nail bit, small for paint paddle hole
  • Nail bit, tiny for block
  • Duct tape
  • Pipe cleaners and decorative stuff

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
      • Momentum and Velocity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Watsonville Environmental Science Workshop, 2011

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