Oscillating Butterflies

'Made By Joel' is a fantastic site that I frequent to insert playful, educational projects into our studies.
The Oscillating Butterfly (originally the Oscillating Woodpecker) was created from a website Joel found called the Science Toy Maker and covers science of motion such as friction, gravity and momentum.
http://madebyjoel.com/2013/06/oscillating-bird-science-toy-for-kids.html

After we made and tested the cardboard version, we had the opportunity to design the wings.
Mr. M found a deceased butterfly in the grass that we kept for our collection and used as a muse.
However, there are also amazing posters available and an assortment of books if you are going for a realistic version.

 

 

Miss C discovered success by lightly shaking the bottom hand in order to start the motion.