A Paper Seed with a Spinning Descent
Make a small paper spinner inspired by the way some seeds travel.
Time: 15–30 minutes
Use scrap paper and scissors. This is a paper engineering experiment; it does not require seeds or outdoor space.
What you need
- paper
- scissors
Try this idea
- Cut a rectangle about two fingers wide and a hand long. Cut down the center from the top to roughly halfway.
- Fold the two upper flaps in opposite directions to make rotors. Fold the bottom edge up twice to add a little weight.
- Hold it over a clear surface and release it from a comfortable height. Watch whether it turns.
- Adjust one rotor or the bottom fold and try again. Retrieve the paper and scraps before finishing.
A smaller version
Make one spinner and watch a single drop.
A good place to stop
One drop and one adjustment complete the experiment.
Make it work for you
Have the cuts made for you if needed. A seated release above a clear table works; no climbing or reaching is needed.
Another way in
Compare two spinners with different rotor lengths, keeping everything else similar.