Gravity Spinner Toy – A Hands-On Gravity Experiment for Kids

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Looking for a fun and easy gravity experiment for kids? This DIY gravity spinner toy is a fantastic way to introduce the concept of gravitational force with just a few simple supplies. It’s low-prep, highly engaging, and perfect for both classroom and home learning environments.

Whether you’re studying physics, planning a STEM unit, or just want a cool science project that gets kids excited, this gravity toy is sure to be a hit!

What Is a Gravity Spinner Toy?

This hands-on toy demonstrates how gravity acts on weighted objects. When the spinner is released, gravity pulls it downward in a spiraling motion along the wire, offering a visual and tactile way to observe gravitational force in action. Kids love watching it spin and fall—then flipping it over to try again!

This project can be tied into lessons on:

• Gravity and force

• Mass and weight

• Energy (potential and kinetic)

• Newton’s Laws of Motion

How to Make the Gravity Spinner Toy

Supplies Needed

• 3–4 ft of thin wire (floral wire or craft wire works great)

• 1 large paper clip

• 2 coins (pennies or similar size)

• Rocket template (grab it from my subscriber library!)

• 1 straw

• Tape

Optional: broomstick, dowel, or a thick marker for shaping the wire

How to Make the Gravity Spinner Toy

1. Shape the Wire: Wrap the wire around a broomstick or dowel to form a spiral shape. Leave a small handle on each end for holding.

2. Make Your Rockets: Color, cut out, and tape a penny to the back center of each rocket (this adds the weight that gravity will act on).

3. Assemble the Spinner: Attach a paperclip to the center of the straw. Secure it with a bit of tape so it stays in place. Then tape a rocket to each end of the straw.

4. Thread and Drop: Thread the paperclip onto the spiral wire. Hold the top end of the wire and let the spinner drop. Flip and repeat!

Watch it twirl and descend as gravity pulls the weighted rockets downward.

Attach a paper clip  to the center of the straw. You will want to add a small piece of tape to keep it in place.

The Science Behind It

Gravity is an invisible force that pulls objects toward one another. Since Earth has a much larger mass than the items we interact with, it pulls everything toward its center.

This toy works by converting potential energy (when it’s held at the top) into kinetic energy (as it moves down). The added weight of the pennies helps the rockets stay balanced and gives enough pull to move smoothly.

The spiral wire path creates rotational motion, giving students an opportunity to observe both linear and spinning forces as gravity acts on a balanced system.

Learning Connections

Use this experiment to discuss:

• What is gravity?

• What happens when mass is added or removed?

• How does changing the shape or steepness of the spiral affect speed?

• What is potential vs. kinetic energy?

You can even introduce Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation: F = Gm₁m₂ / r²

Want to Print the Gravity Spinner Rocket Template?

DOWNLOAD NOW!

This gravity spinner toy is a great way to introduce kids to physics through movement and play. Try it with your students, in a co-op group, or as a weekend project—simple to prep and endlessly fun to explore!

See also my Balancing Toy. Also check out my Straw Rockets!

Love Science like me?  You have to check out my new Science Art book!