How To Build A Gyroscope

Leon Foucault, a French physicist, invented the gyroscope in 1852. It is typically a disc-shaped object that won't move in certain directions when it is spun on its axis at high speeds. A gyroscope demonstrates Isaac Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object at rest or in motion will stay that way until another force acts to change that. It can also show the principles of precession, angular momentum and torque.

Step 1

Attach the bicycle handles to the wheel's axle on both sides. The handles should have a hollow center that will slip over the center axle on both sides of the wheel. This will allow you to hold the wheel without obstructing its spinning movement.

Step 2

Tie the rope to one side of the wheel in between the handle and the wheel. Tie a double or triple knot to ensure the wheel is securely attached to the rope. Cut any loose pieces of rope so that they don't get tangled in the spokes of the wheel.

Step 3

Suspend the wheel by the rope on the doorway using the nail or hook. A porch or covered patio will work. The hook should be pushed or hammered into a wood beam so it does not detach.

Step 1

Place a piece of plain unlined paper on a flat surface. The paper should be 8 1/2 x 11 inches for best results. Lay it so that the long, 11-inch side is horizontal.

Step 2

Fold the paper up on one side. Each fold should be between 1/2 to 1 inch. Keep folding over previous folds until you have about 1 1/2 inches of unfolded paper hanging.

Step 3

Make a cylinder with your folded paper. The fold should be on the inside of the cylinder.

Step 4

Connect the ends of the cylinder. Insert the lip of one side into the opening on the other side to form a sturdy ring.