A craft stick or lolly stick chain reaction is a brilliant example of potential and kinetic energy. As you weave the lolly sticks together you can feel the potential energy building. The sticks are bent and pinned over each other creating tension. When you release the end stick the tension and potential energy are released making the sticks fly through the air.
I first saw a lolly stick chain reaction at a conference held by the Primary Science Teaching Trust and couldn’t wait to show my children, we’ve since made hundreds of different sizes and even added small pom pom balls to add to the excitement.
What you’ll need
Lots of craft sticks, we used the thicker ones.
Instructions
Follow the video below to build your chain reaction.
How to make a craft stick chain reaction
Extension ideas
How long can you make your chain reaction?
What do you think will happen if you add pom poms?
Could you add something a little heavier then pom poms? Would they jump as high? – remember to stand back
That are more chain reaction ideas in this great post from Frugal Fun for Boys.
It seems so much fun!