Activity

Pendulum drawing board

Summary
Build a large-scale drawing board (or swing-o-graph), that traces out repeating geometric shapes.
Science content
Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6)
Materials
  • 1X2 lengths of wood
  • wooden dowel
  • chopstick or other strong rod
  • binder clips
  • upturned table, or equivalent structure to support divide
  • large light board e.g. cork notice board
  • large pieces of paper
  • push pins
  • four cans of food, or other weights
  • drill
  • duct tape
  • string
  • marker pens
Procedure

Assemble as pictured.
The rod holding the pen, must be able to freely move up and down, but with out any sideways wiggle. I had to hold with my hands to prevent losening.

Pin the paper to the board.
Add the cans in the corners for weight.
Set the board in motion.
Then drop the pen on the board.
Do not touch anything that will impede the free swinging of the board or the motion of the pen arm.

Grades taught
Gr 4
Gr 5