CD Spinner

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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. Learners will use Benham's Disk and spiral patterns to explore visual illusions, perception, and color.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • CD
  • marble
  • plastic cap from soda or water bottle AND/OR golf tee
  • hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
  • scissors
  • Photocopy of Benham's Disk
  • Photocopy of Spiral

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Sunlight and Color
    • Motion and Forces
      • Rotation Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Rathjen, Don

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2003