Explore it!
Thomas Edison said, "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." With these words of wisdom in mind, we challenge you to create your own yo-yo using items found in your recycling bin.
A yo-yo is made from two identical discs connected in the center by a round rod or axle, with a piece of string looped around the axle. To build your own yo-yo, you will need to find materials to make each part: the two discs, an axle, and a piece of string. Most importantly, you'll need your imagination.
Ideas for materials:
- Two discs--Try empty yogurt containers, cardboard circles cut from cereal boxes, or even plastic or metal lids
- Axle--Look for a corndog stick, small plastic tube, or wooden dowel pin
- String--You’ll need about three feet
Here's what you do:
Raid the recycling bin for materials. (Adults sometimes refer to this step as "dumpster diving.") Successful inventors rarely work alone, so ask an adult to help you dumpster dive for materials!