Thinking Fountain image (17k)Thinking Fountain text (10k)

Shoebox

Build a whirligig in a box

We experimented with motion by building whirligig prototypes using shoeboxes and coat hangers. Collect materials from around your home or classroom and design your own.

You'll need:

    

  • shoebox

  • posterboard

  • hanger

  • plyers

  • markers

  • scissors

  • masking tape
moving gif of the whirligig (22k)

Find a wire coat hanger.

Straighten the hanger and bend
it like this.

Straighten two paperclips and
attach them to the hanger like this.

Put the hanger through the sides
of the shoebox and the paperclips
through the top.

Bend one end of the hanger
to use as a crank.

Tape decorations to the paperclips.
It's ready to go.
small hand logo (9k)Shoebox is a project developed by Karen Thimmesch for her 4th grade students. See her Students as Designers cluster for more project ideas.

That makes me think . . . (11k)
What is the largest number of moving parts you could make? How many toys or games can you think of that move this way? What is a whirligig? How could you make this whirligig move without turning the crank?

Yellow dot (9k) Constructions for Children

 Book Cover (7k)

Yellow dot (9k) A whirligig artist

Yellow dot (9k) More motion toys


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