Spinny Mah-Jigg

Warning- Choking Hazard!
Small parts, not for children under 3 years. Adult supervision required.

Materials

• 1- Mason Line String
• 1- Round Cardboard Piece
• 2- Cardstock Circles
• Markers or Crayons
• Glue
• 1- Push Pin

Procedure

• Color cardstock circles using markers or crayons- the more color, the better!
• Use scissors to cut out the colored circles
• Glue 1 colored circle to each side of the cardboard circle the colors should face outward. This will be your base
• Using a push pin, poke 2 holes into the base where indicated
• Take the string and run it through the holes of the base
• Tie the string into a knot
• Take a piece of string in each hand and move in a circular motion to wind up the string
• Pull string outward and watch your Spinny Mah-Jigg unwind!

The Science Behind It

The Spinny Mah-Jigg is an activity that demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Energy. This scientific principle states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it is converted from one form to another. When the string twists, it contains potential energy or energy at rest. When the string is released, it converts to kinetic energy or energy in motion. Kinetic energy allows the circle base to spin.