Turkey Feather Helicopter Spinners

What you need

• Paper, 1 strip per spinner, about 2 x 8 inches
• Kid scissors, 1
• Paper clips, 1 to 2 per spinner
• Crayons or markers, a handful
• Phone, 1, for the timer
• Notebook, 1, for recording times (optional)
• Step stool, 1 (optional)

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Gather paper, scissors, paper clips, crayons and a phone timer, and pick a safe spot to drop from.

1. Cut a paper strip about 2 inches wide and 8 inches long.
2. Snip a slit from the top down to the middle.
3. Bend the two flaps opposite ways to make wings.
4. Fold the bottom up twice, then clip on a paper clip.
5. Color the wings to look like turkey feathers.
6. Hold your spinner up high, let go and watch it twirl! Ask for help if you need it
   Ask: Do you think it will drop straight down or spin? Which way will it turn?
7. Drop it three times while someone times each fall.
8. Make a second spinner and change just one thing.
   Ask: Will longer wings or an extra clip make it fall faster or slower?
9. Time three drops of the new spinner and crown the slowest!
10. Now invite your family for a spinner race! What will you change next?
    Ask: What did you find out, and what would you change to make a super slow spinner?

Play it again

• Spin direction: fold the wings the other way and see if it turns the opposite direction.
• Target landing: put a plate on the floor and try to land your spinner on it.
• Tiny vs giant: make a mini spinner and a huge one from a long strip and race them.