Introduction: Spinning Spin Tops

By The Maker Studio @ Science City
About: The Maker Studio is a museum makerspace at Science City in Kansas City, MO. To see more of our creations follow us on Instagram @The_Maker_Studio or @ScienceCityKC

DIY Spinning Spin tops will keep you entertained yet did you know there's some science behind it. Explore physics through play and practice fine motor skills as well. We're talking about potential and kinetic energy.

Supplies

Old unused CDs or DVDs

Bottle cap

Marble

Hot glue gun + a couple glue sticks

Step 1: DIY Spinning Spin Tops

The science behind spinning tops is actually very complex. Here’s a very simplified version as to what’s going on: When you initially spin the top, you’re turning the top’s stored energy (potential energy) into energy of motion (kinetic energy). The top eventually stops spinning because of friction and gravity. The surface below the top provides friction, eventually causing the spinning to slow down, and the top begins to wobble. As it begins to wobble, the top tilts, allowing gravity to pull it over.