Re: [Phys-l] Small, Inexpensive Physics Toys?

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 10/05/2007 02:08 PM, Mark Lucas wrote:
> We are preparing for an open house and are looking for good ideas for
> small 'prizes' to give to elementary or middle school aged kids. 

Dollar-store lasers.

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Balsa-wood gliders.

There's a ton of physics in those things ... although
with all _things_ the physics is in what you do with
it.

For example, challenge them to put it together /backwards/
so that it flies as a canard-type aircraft.  That's doable,
but wicked hard if you don't know what you're doing.

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Tops and gyroscopes.

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You should be able to get 1000 small magnets for $50.00.

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You can also get iron powder (much better than iron filings)
to go with the magnet.  Ask the chemistry stockroom for a
bottle of Fe.  Should be cheap.

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Tiny pulleys.  Hit-or-miss availability at dollar stores.

Tons of good physics there ... although maybe not apparent
to the untutored kid.

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Drinking bird.

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Does anybody make a cheap radiometer?