Jitterbugs

Suitable for years 2 – 8. Taking about 1 – 2 hours

Starting with a kit of parts, pupils build a jitterbug using simple tools. Once built and switched on the out-of-balance motor produces vibrations, which travel down the flexible legs and cause the jitterbug to move in an unpredictable manner.

Suitable for years 3 – 9. Taking about 1 ½ – 2 hours

As an extension to Dancing Jitterbugs, the pupils make a basic switch from paper and foil to turn the motor on and off.

Switched on Jitterbug

Suitable for years 5 – 9. Taking about 2 – 2 ½ hours

An extension to Dancing Jitterbugs adding a LED lamp and buzzer whose actions are controlled by a two-way switch.

Another switch controls the motor.

Jitterbugs activities address the following curriculum topics.

Design & Technology:

Try out tools and techniques
Assemble and combine components
Design and make images and artefacts
Work as a team and follow planning
Review what they and others have done
Identify what they might change to make it better
Carry out tests before making improvements
Recognise that the quality of a product depends on how well it is made
How mechanism can be used to make things move in different ways

Science:

Cells (batteries) giving electrical energy
Conductors carry electricity
Metals are conductors
Non-metals are insulators
Vibrations produce movement and sound
Electricity flows in a particular direction
The direction of an electric current decides which way a DC electric motor turns
A wheel mounted eccentrically causes vibration
The super Jitterbug also explores polarity in components