Spinning Tops

A toy inventor's top wobbles and falls before anyone can count to three. Students investigate what keeps a spinning top upright — and what brings it down. They explore how gravity, friction, and balance each affect how long and smoothly a top spins, collect spin-time data across multiple tests, and identify patterns in their results. The unit culminates in a final design challenge: engineer a top that spins for five seconds or more, complete with a personalized design feature.

What Students Learn

• How gravity acts on spinning objects and what helps a top resist tipping

• How momentum keeps spinning objects in motion and how weight increases it

• Authentic practice with all 8 Science and Engineering Practices

What's Included

• 8 slide-based lessons with embedded graphics and media

• Step-by-step teacher guide with facilitation notes

• Student worksheet packet with pre/post assessment

• All hands-on building materials

• Maker skill video tutorials

• Optional ELA extension: persuasive poster

NGSS Alignment
‍3-PS2-1 · 3-PS2-2 · 3-5-ETS1-1 · 3-5-ETS1-2 · 3-5-ETS1-3