A craft stick or chain reaction with popsicle sticks is a brilliant example of how potential energy and kinetic energy work. As you weave the popsicle sticks together, you can really feel the potential energy building.
How does a chain reaction with popsicle sticks work?
The sticks are bent and clamped together, creating tension. When the stick at the end is released, the tension and potential energy are released, causing the sticks to fly through the air.
I first saw a chain reaction of popsicle sticks at a conference held by Foundation for the teaching of primary sciences And I couldn't wait to show them to my kids. Since then, we've made hundreds of different sizes and even added little pom pom balls to make it more fun.
What you need for a chain reaction with popsicle sticks
Lots of craft sticks or popsicle sticks. We used sticks that were a little thicker than normal.
How to make a chain reaction with popsicle sticks
Prepare your chain reaction using the photos below as a guide. It may be a little tricky, but it's worth the effort.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
More chain reaction ideas
Make the chain reaction as long as you can.
Add some pom poms or other small (and very light) objects to the top.
Add something a little heavier than the pom poms to see if they fly as high. Remember to take a step back.
You may also like our egg chain reaction!
There is more Chain reaction ideas in this great post from Frugal Fun for Boys.
I have one too giant chain reaction We settled in the garden.
More STEM challenges with popsicle sticks
Design and build a Popsicle stick catapultThis is another great activity to demonstrate kinetic and potential energy.
We love the look of these too. Explosive boomerangs I can teach my son.
These bridges made from popsicle sticks from Mommy Evolution also look great.
Scientific concepts
Energy
Potential energy
Kinetic energy
Last updated on June 26, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
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