Paper Tape Motion Timer

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In this activity, learners build a recording timer made from simple materials (e.g., small dc motor, sharpie pen, craft sticks, adding machine paper tape, etc.). The device produces a record of motion for things like toy cars, falling objects, etc. The resulting record, in the form of marks on the paper tape, can be used to tell the story of the motion, create graphical representations of the motion, and obtain information about displacement, velocity and acceleration. Learners can participate in the construction of the device or use pre-assembled timers.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • wood base, 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in x 9 in (piece of 1x6 in shelving x 9 in long)
  • 4 wooden craft sticks (popsicle stick size)
  • 2 wooden craft sticks (tongue depressor size)
  • motor, dc
  • 2 alligator clip leads
  • spring clip broom holder
  • machine screw, 6-32 x 1/2 in
  • electric drill
  • 3 bottle caps from 2-liter plastic soda bottles
  • 1 bottle cap from 500 mLwater bottle
  • 2 binder clips, large (2 in, 51 mm)
  • 2 binder clips, medium (1 1/4 in, 33 mm)
  • push pin
  • hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
  • paper adding machine tape, 2 1/4 in wide
  • stop nut with nylon insert, 6-32
  • 2 washers, ordinary zinc-plated steel, 1/4 in
  • drill bits - 3/16 in, 9/64 in, #50 wire gauge (1.78 mm)
  • 2 rubber bands, narrow, approx. 3.5 in (size 19)
  • 1.5 volt D battery
  • wood dowel, 1/2 in, 1 in long
  • wood dowel, 3/16 in, 5.5 in long
  • marking pen (Sharpie Fine POint) with pointed or bullet tip (not chisel-point)
  • 2 faucet washers, size 1/4 L flat or similar
  • hammer
  • 4 finishing nails, 1.5 in
  • objects to drop including spring-driven toy car

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
    • Technology
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Rate
    • Number and Operations
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Motors
      • Electric Circuits
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Momentum and Velocity
      • Acceleration
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Electronics
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • 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, 2007