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The Drawing Board consists of a marking pen that remains stationary and a platform that swings beneath the pen, acting as a pendulum. As the platform swings, the pen marks a sheet of paper that is fastened to the platform, generating beautiful repetitive patterns. These colorful designs contain hidden lessons in physics. This resource includes instructions for making a large-scale Drawing Board as well.
- 45 to 60 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- A ruler
- One 4x4x12 inch (10x10x30 cm) wood post
- A nonskid base
- A drill
- A pivot bolt
- 2 metersticks or yardsticks
- Washers
- Wire
- Rubber bands
- 3 large tables or 4 evenly spaced hooks in a ceiling
- A large board
- 4 large hook eyes
- Rope
- Duct tape
- Bricks
- A large sheet of plain paper
- Masking tape
- Marking pens
- String (optional)
- Adult help
- Ellipto™ or Pendul-Art™ kits (optional)
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Rotation Motion
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The Exploratorium,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- California Department of Education
- NEC Foundation of America