THE OSCILlATING WOODPECKER

Joel Henriques is an Oregonian who has given the the woodpecker lots of class and beauty. He makes things with his young twins. You can see his blog of amazing projects here or by clicking on the picture.

Why doesn't it drop or stop?

Here is yet another clever folk toy that uses science to puzzle and amaze observers. It uses it's potential energy to bob back and forth like a woodpecker. It was redesigned a bit so that even young kids can help make it. The classic version usually uses a tiny spring--as from a pen--but we simply use a rubber band for springyness.

INSTRUCTIONS

For illustrated instructions for making an oscillating woodpecker click here or on the picture.

MORE ABOUT THE OSCILLATING WOODPECKER

For explanations, activities and cool links related to the oscillating woodpecker click here or on the picture.

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