This gravity for kids experiment is so much fun! My son keeps taking it out to explore over and over again. I bet your kids will want to do this gravity for kids themselves and watch other kids do it. I think it may have something to with the spinning eraser and the blurry image that is created while conducting the experiment. My son loved our ball drop experiment that spun too!
What effect speed has on the gravitational pull on an object is the key concept in explored in this experiment. Kids may think they know what happens when things move slowly and quickly. This experiment will either clarify what they know or cause them to think about gravity in new ways.
Putting Together the Gravity for Kids Device
Supplies:
- Spool
- String or Twine
- Flat Eraser
- Large Paper Clip
Directions for Creating the Gravity for Kids Device
- Wrap on end of length of string or twine around a paper clip a number of times. Then tie the end of your string to the paper clip.
- Thread the other end of the spool.
- Then attach the string to the eraser by wrapping it around it and then tying off the string.
Conducting the Experiment
- Hold the device by the spool with the eraser hanging down toward the ground.
- Slowly start spinning the spool over your heard.
- Gradually make it go faster and faster.
- As the speed increases the eraser will rise up and the string will blur.
What is happening?
The string is like gravity. It pulls the eraser toward the spool. This is called centripetal force. When the eraser goes faster, it moves up and away from its center.
If you like this gravity for kids experiment, you will want to check out these experiments too.
Building a Pool Noodle Airplane
