Launched by using a special rubber band launcher or an electric mixer, students isolate the major variables that determine how long each of the tops will spin. Through systematic testing, the curriculum introduces concepts related to rotational motion. The investigation continues as students use the same set of materials to create different kinds of yo-yos. They apply the experience from working with tops to predict and experiment with the different yo-yos. Water siphons onto this model to make it turn and lift a cup of nails.
Student then have to maximize the number of nails lifted.
The curriculum introduces and develops concepts related to levers, simple machines, torque, and rotational momentum. In the second part of the investigation, students have to find ways of measuring the rotational speed of the wheel. The wind source is a small table fan. The student challenge is to modify the design to see how many nails can be lifted when testing different orientations of the arms. These activities introduce concepts related to simple machines, rotational momentum, work, and power.