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Learners build at least two different spinners (tops) to investigate how mass distribution, size, and shape affect the length of time the spinner spins. Learners strive to design and build the spinner that spins the longest. Resource contains suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Jar lid, compact disk, paper plate or other flat, round object
- 2 pencils (or, alternatively, thumbtacks or pushpins)
- Tape
- 2 rubber bands
- Cereal box- weight cardboard
- Pennies (6 per group)
- Scissors
- Markers
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Momentum and Velocity
- Rotation Motion
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- 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:
- Duren, Sabre ; Heavner, Ben ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise
Source Collection
- TeachEngineering
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004
Funding Sources:
- Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Science Foundation, 0226322