You all remember the woodpecker on the pole example from our childhood. We decided to try the same thing with paper and an elastic band. Nadia drew and colored the woodpecker.

Here it is all cut out and ready…

We then stuck a little bit of a plastic straw and put the elastic band through it.

How does this work? Our woodpecker gains potential gravitational energy as we lift it to the top of the rubber band. Once it starts going, the potential energy is converted to kinetic (moving) energy.

Pretty cool huh?

Have a great week.

Best regards,

Aruna