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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Easy Paper Spinners

    Easy Paper Spinners

    March 22, 2020 By Emma Vanstone 3 Comments

    I was so surprised at how well these easy paper spinners ( or paper helicopters ) worked. They take less than two minutes to put together, spin amazingly well and inspire some great investigations. They are also part of my Tray a Day series, which is a program of science activities using simple materials that fit in a tray!

    I’ve also got lots more easy paper science challenges you might like to try.

    Tray a day - Paper, scissors and a paperclip for making easy Paper Spinners

    How to Make a Paper Spinner

    What you need:      

    Different types of paper

    Paper clips

    Scissors

    Easy paper spinners for a STEM Challenge
    child's hand holding up a paper spinner for a science experiment

    How to make a paper spinner ( or paper helicopter )

    Watch the video for instructions for how to make the paper spinners. Or download our easy to follow Paper Spinners instructions.

    Hold the top of the spinner between your fingers ( paperclip end down ) and let it fall to the ground, does it spin?

    Things to think about

    Consider factors that might affect how fast the spinner falls:

    • Type of paper
    • Number of paper clips
    • Size of spinner
    • Height dropped from

    Paper Spinner Extension Activities

    Children can then design a fair test to find out how one factor affects the time the spinner takes to fall. Think about whether to use a timer or drop two spinner at the same time. 

    Paper Spinner Challenge 1

    Try to make the slowest spinner? What do you need to change?

    Challenge 2

    Did you know astronauts aboard the ISS return to Earth in a capsule? Their descent is slowed down using a parachute, why would  a mechanism like our spinners not be a good alternative?

    Challenge 3

    Ask children to develop a different spinner design.

    Learning points

    Air Resistance slows moving objects and that when an object falls, air resistance acts in the opposite direction to the weight.

    Children should be able to explain the forces acting on the spinner as it falls to the ground (air resistance pushes up and weight of the object pulls down).

    Paper Spinner Instructions

    Click below to download the instruction sheet.

    paper spinner instructions

    Paper Spinner Template

    Make this activity even easier with our FREE Paper Spinner template.

    template for making simple paper spinners for a gravity science project
    Paper Spinner Template

    Suitable for:

    Key Stage 1 Science

    Working Scientifically

    • Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways
    • Observing closely, using simple equipment
    • Performing simple tests
    • Identifying and classifying
    • Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions
    • Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.

    Upper Key Stage 2 – Forces

    More Science for Kids

    Try one of our fun forces and motion experiments. Make rockets, slip and slide on the floor and more!

    Easy paper spinner ( paper helicopter ) STEM Challenge #scienceforkids #STEMChallenge #STEMforkids

    Science concepts

    Gravity

    Air resistance

    Forces

    This post was first published in 2016 and updated in 2020.

    Affiliate Links

    Last Updated on September 8, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « Science Experiments Using Paper
    Save the Dinosaur – Waterproofing Investigation »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Becky

      February 17, 2016 at 11:31 am

      ooh these are very cool..simple too which suits me!

      Reply
    2. MerryAnn

      February 24, 2017 at 8:50 am

      I’ve done this with Year 1. Was a great way of doing a practical investigation tied into the seasonal change aspect of the year 1 science curriculum. We were looking at the seeds and leaves that we’re falling as part of our autumn work and inspired to make our own spinners and investigate how changing them affected how they fell.

      Reply
    3. John

      July 27, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Great starter for many experiments and investigations. Important to remember though that weight doe snot affect how fast something falls. The shape of the falling object determines the magnitude of the air resistance so different objects do fall at different speeds. However, if weight is the only difference between the objects, Galileo taught us that they will fall at the same speed.

      Reply

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