Spinning Snake

Get hypnotized with the slithering snake! Snakes are always fascinating to witness, what if we get to play a part of snake charmer?
Let’s DIY the spinning snake with step-by-step procedure and learn the science behind it in a simple way!

Materials needed:

1.Skewer(length-25cm approx) or stick

2. Playdough

3. Cardstock

4. Scissor

This activity is best for end of the year STEM challenge

Step 1: Draw Snake or Print the Template

1. Draw a spiral snake and decorate it.

2. Or you can also print the template.

3.The template is attached. You can print and cut along the dotted lines.

Step 2: Building Stand

1. Make a ball of playdough.

2. Insert skewer.

3. Place the tail of snake on the tip of skewer. Make a cone like shape such that the snake doesn't fall while it is in motion.

Step 3: Place Candles

1. Put two, three or four candles at the bottom until the snake starts rotating.

An adult supervision is necessary.

Step 4: Science Behind Spinning Snake

Concept: When the candle is lit the air around the object becomes hot and expands. The particles or molecules in the air becomes less dense and moves up pushing the colder and heavier particles downward sets the convection current. Thus makes the object rotates or spins continuously.

Step 5: Other Thermal Spinner Ideas

Similarly we can make a dancer spinning on skewer due to thermal energy. Just divide a circle into 6 parts. Cut those 6 parts such that it acts like a fan. Bend those 6 parts. Stick a straw at bottom and dancer figure on top.