03 Dec Give the Gift of Wonder: The Original Gyroscope
Every year, Brian Williams Science helps you find the perfect gift for the science enthusiast in your life. Today, we present The Original Gyroscope!
Every year, the Brian Williams Science publishes a set of articles aimed at helping you find the perfect gift for the science enthusiast in your life. We call it Giving the Gift of Wonder. This year, we’ve got a very special list of great gifts ideas meant to inspire curiosity and imagination. Some are for children. Others are for adults. Many are for kids of all ages! Chances are that you’ll be able to check a few names off your list with some of the ideas you find here. And as usual, we hope that you will take time this holiday season to Do Some Science!
Today’s Gift Idea: The Original Gyroscope
The earliest gyroscope-style instrument was written about in 1817. Electric motors in the 1860s led to the first indefinitely spinning gyroscopes and the gyrocompass. Nowadays, we use the power of the gyroscope in our phones and video game systems.
The toy gyroscope hit the market in 1917 and hasn’t changed much since your grandparents (or great-grandparents!) played with one. This classic toy fascinates us with its gravity defying stunts, which are easy to learn with a bit of practice. Wind the string, pull it quickly, and the Original Gyroscope will start spinning. Want it to walk a tightrope? Balance on your hand or head? Tilt at impossible angles without falling? You can do it with the power of physics!
Recommended for ages 5+
Where can I get one:
