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Spiral Spinners

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Where Does My Shadow Sleep?

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Where Does My Shadow Sleep?

Build a Spiral Spinner!

Make a spinner out of paper, and observe how it moves through the air with this spectacular science activity from Sally Anderson, author of Where Does My Shadow Sleep?

Materials

 

What to do

1. On the piece of paper, draw an 8" diameter circle.

2. Start at one edge of the circle, and cut a spiral going in toward the center of the circle. The number of coils will vary depending on how thin or thick you make the spiral cut–feel free to experiment, or just make it about 1" thick.

3. At the center of the spiral, poke a hole. Tie a knot at one end of your string. Pull the other end through the hole in the spiral until the knot stops at the hole. This way you don't tie the spiral tightly to the string.

4. Hold the string and move your arm up and down. What does the spinner do? Is it the same each time you pull it up or down?

5. Hold the spinner near a heat vent, a fan, or anything that might be blowing air – what happens? Try various places around your home, inside and outside.

 

Great Books to Read Before Doing This Activity:

  • Feel the Wind by Arthur Dorros
  • I Face the Wind by Vicki Cobb
  • The Wind Blew by Pat Hutchins