How to Make Spiral Spinners
Young children may have a hard time visualizing the concept of hot air rising. Demonstrate this principle by making a colorful spiral spinner. Tape the spinner above a lighted candle. The heat from the candle makes gentle air currents, which rise up and make the spiral spin. Younger children can successfully create this project, although make sure there is adult supervision when using the candle. The child will learn a science lesson and have an attractive decoration for their room when it's done.
Things You'll Need
- Mylar wrapping paper
- Paper plate
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Tape
- Thread
- Candle
- Matches
Instructions
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1
Lay a sheet of Mylar wrapping paper on the work surface. Place a paper plate upside down on the paper. Trace around the plate with a black marker.
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2
Draw a spiral from the outside edge of the circle toward the center, going around four or five times to reach the middle. The spiral doesn't have to be perfect, but make the stripes as uniform as you can.
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3
Cut out the circle from the wrapping paper. Cut along the spiral line from the outside edge to the center.
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4
Cut a piece of thread 18 inches long. Tape one end of the thread to the center of the spiral. Pull the thread up and let the spiral hang down. Observe how it hangs very still without moving or spinning around.
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5
Tape the other end of the thread to the ceiling or another object above the work table. Place a candle underneath the spiral. Light the candle. Wait a minute or two for the to heat rise. The spiral will begin to spin around.
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Tips & Warnings
Tape the thread to your bedroom ceiling or in your playroom when the experiment is finished.
