Hooked on Science: String and button spinner

String and buttons are two ingredients you might discover in the junk drawer. Did you know you can use those materials to create a science toy that might get the entire family "Hooked on Science."

Materials

* Large button with two eyes

* Two feet of string

Instructions

STEP 1: Thread one end of the string through an eye of the button and then thread the string through the eye directly across from the first eye.

STEP 2: Tie both ends of the string into a knot to form a loop.

STEP 3: Move the button to the center of the loop.

STEP 4: Push your left index finger through the loop on the left side of the button and then push your right index finger through the loop on the right hand side of the button. Swing the button in a circular motion to wind the string. Pull your hands in and out rapidly and observe.

Explanation

As you swing the button in a circular motion to wind the string, you are giving the button stored energy or potential energy. As the button unwinds the potential energy becomes kinetic energy or energy in motion.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webacsts and experiments.