How to build a Newtonian demonstrator

A Newtonian demonstrator is also called the Newton's Cradle and is sold by than name as an office desk toy. The concept was demonstrated centuries ago in France and Sir Isaac Newton later developed laws of physics that are illustrated by the device.

The Newton's Cradle has sold very well as an executive desktop toy since it was first manufactured in the late 1960s. It was reportedly prototyped by the actor Simon Prebble. At first, a wooden cradle version of the device was sold by the famous department store, Harrods of London. Soon after this, manufacturers fashioned a metal cradle of chrome based on the work of a sculptor. This sculptor is the film and TV director, Richard Loncraine. Thus, actors and other film people contributed the largest part to propelling this scientific device and toy item into the marketplace.

The largest Newton's Cradle so far was designed by Chris Boden. It is located at The Geek Group home base in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This nonprofit company is a cross between a Center of Science and Industry and Mad Science. The huge Newtonian contraption is made with bowling balls and is on public display from Monday thorugh Saturday form 10am - 6pm. It is often used for demonstrations in science and technology presentations and for educational groups.

The monster Newtonian demnstrator is made up of 7 bowling balls of equal weight, 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) each. The bowling balls are attached securely to metal cables and hung from metal trusses in the ceiling of a warehouse at The Geek Group. The suspension cables are 20 feet long (6.1m) and the bowling balls hang 3 feet from the floor (1m).

Hanging from metal beams in a sturdy warehouse ceiling, this Newton's Cradle does not need a frame. Thus, the parts needed would be 7 bowling balls of equal weight, a substantial amount of metal cabling, hardware to attached the cables to the bowling balls and the ceiling, and the proper metal working tools for the job. This would likely include tape measures and other measuring devices, welding gear and materials, metal couplings, metal saws, hammers, Philips head screw drivers, and metal screws.

The Geek Group is a fantastic place for after school classes, summer sessions, science demonstrations, presentations for private groups, project work space, and workshops on any of these and other topics they currently present:

• Newtonian and non-Newtonian physics
• High Energy Physics
• High Voltage Physics
• Astronomy
• Electro-magnetism
• Biology
• Rocketry
• Sound and Acoustics
• Geology/Mineralogy
• Environment
• Alternative Energy
• Meteorology
• Robotics

These individuals teach science, technology, engineering, math, and arts education. That's the hard sciences of STEM, plus art! They really understand that science and art go together.

If you are ever near Kalamazoo, Michigan, stop in:

The Geek Group

• 2015 Schippers Lane
• Kalamazoo MI 49048
• (269) 567-GEEK
• info@thegeekgroup.org
• Monday-Saturday from 10AM to 6PM.