Rotor Challenge
Students make a paper rotor and experiment by adding extra weight to make the rotor more precise.
This activity is a part of the Super Science Challenges lending library workshop.
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe virtual outreach to youth.
What To Do
- Place the target on the floor.
- Cut out the rotor printout. Follow the instructions on the rotor page to make the rotor.
- Place the target on the floor.
- Hold the rotor as high as possible over the target on the floor. Aim for the target and let go of the rotor.
- Did you get the rotor to land in the middle of the target?
- Add a paperclip to the rotor and launch it again.
- Was it easier to aim for the middle of the target?
- Keep adding paper clips to the rotor.
- What happens each time you add a paperclip?
- What happens if you add all the paperclips?
Discovery
The weight of a paperclip allows the rotor to fall more precisely (in a straight line) onto the target. This is because the extra weight of the paperclip is making the rotor more stable and it is able to land in a straight line towards the ground. However, if you add too many paperclips, the weight throws off the stability of the rotor and it becomes harder to hit the target.
What's Happening?
The weight of a paperclip allows the rotor to fall more precisely (in a straight line) onto the target. This is because the extra weight of the paperclip is making the rotor more stable and it is able to land in a straight line towards the ground. However, if you add too many paperclips, the weight throws off the stability of the rotor and it becomes harder to hit the target.