Part of Lesson Plan: Aluminum Spinning Top

Activity Overview / Details

As students enter the classroom and take their seats, they will find several aluminum spinning tops on the tables. I will go around the room and have students count off  from 1 to how ever many tops I have for groups that I need. I ask them to separate into their numbered team and practice spinning their top for maximum time. I take roll while they're spinning. Each team must pick their best spinner, then we have a timed competition. You could offer some kind of prize, extra credit, etc. to the winning team if you wish. I then collect the tops and display the mechanical drawing of the top.