More options for spinning disks

There are a few inexpensive options for making spinning disks:

1. Inexpensive options from Dollar Store

• You may be able to find a spinning top, or a fan - can attach your disks to those

2. Possible at-home options

• CD player if you still have one (!)

• Drill - if you already know how to use it safely

• Make your own spinning top:

  • use a plastic lid from a jar / yogourt tub

  • use a screw and screw a hole through the middle

  • tape your disks to the lid

  • spin the lid

• Use a string and cardboard - Method  1 in this video

  • need to use something sturdy as the spinner otherwise it does not spin well

• Glue a marble to a disc - Method 2 in the same video

  • Note: The video has a common misconception about optical mixing (that it s possible to perceive white with the spinning disk). You could give bonus marks to your students if they can spot the mistake/misconception in the above video, and explain why the misconception is wrong.

• Tape your disk to a yo-yo

Some students have tried to poke a pin though the heavy paper and then spin it, but is can be hard to spin it fast enough to see a single colour. Other students have tried to poke a hole in the centre with a pencil, then roll the pencil quickly back and forth between your hands. This works to a limited degree, but it can be hard to spin it fast enough.