Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1
Gather your materials.
Step 2
Cut the printable along the dotted line.
Step 3
Cut a long piece of thread. The thread should be able to touch the floor from the top of the chairs. Then, thread the needle.
Step 4
Stick the needle through the dot in the center of the snake’s body.
Step 5
Tie a knot on the underside of the snake.
Step 6
Place the chairs about 2 feet (.6 meters) apart. Then, balance the cardboard tube in between them.
Step 7
Tie the end of the thread to the broom so that the snake hangs about 1 foot above the floor.
Step 8
Place the candle directly underneath the snake.
Step 9
Light the candle!
Learn more
The rising hot air makes the snake spin because of the shape of the spiral. Just like in a pinwheel, the air gives the snake a push in one direction and starts it spinning. In a frictionless world, the snake would keep spinning forever (or, at least until the candle burned out). Our snake is attached to a thread, so it’ll stop once the thread twists up can can’t spin any more. If this happens, just untwist the string and try it again - your snake will start spinning again!