Introduction: How to Make a Mini Wave Model
This is a great model for waves that move, reflect, stand, and wiggle, perfect for a starter project in classrooms learning about waves and motion.
Concepts: waves, propagation, physics
Time: Ranges from 30 minutes to an hour
Cost: $5
Materials:
- Nut and bolt (2)
- Nuts (28)
- Candy sticks (seven 8 inch sticks to cut into fourteen 4 inch sticks)
- String (32 inches)
- Block of wood (any wood works)
- Drill
- Hot glue gun
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Sharpie or marker
- Paint
Step 1: Paint Your Block
I painted 2 coats of blue acrylic paint onto my block. I used a bigger brush so that it was easier and quicker to paint the whole thing.
Step 2: Holes
Drill a hole a little narrower than the nut and bolt 1/2 inch away from the end of the block of wood. Do the same thing on the opposite end of the block of wood. Insert the nuts and bolts. Mine stuck out of the block of wood by 3 inches.
Step 3: String
Next, wrap a 32 inch string around the nuts and blots and tie it tightly so the string is very taut.
Step 4: Mini Dumbbells
Cut the candy sticks into lengths of 4 inches. You should cut enough to have a total of 14 dumbbells. Then, twist nuts onto both end of each candy stick to create the mini dumbbells.
Step 5: Marking
Mark 1 inch spacings across the string starting 1/2 inch away from the nut and bolt on one end of the string.
Step 6: Putting It All Together
Use a hot glue gun to attach the dumbbells. Make sure to put hot glue on both ends of the strings. Press down on the dumbbells for 10 seconds to make sure they hold on the string.
Now you're ready to use your mini wave model!