Creative Crafting - Spinning Plates

Be forewarned - this project is addictive and can go through markers at high speed.  On the flip side - it is a great way to keep little ones entertained, begin talking about centripetal force and can use up the last of old markers! It is project is for all of us who like to save things like record players!  I can't help myself, but record players are so much fun.  Being able to put a record on, see it spin, and hear the old sounds of music is great.  Before beginning, we listened to the story of the Three Little Kittens! Then, we got down to business.

If you have a large record player, this may work easier for you.  I only have a small one, so we had to remind the kids to press very lightly.  The crayola washable markers with a nice tip worked the best as my record player doesn't spin very fast.  We set the light weight paper plate on the record player and gently pushed near the middle, so the middle of the record player popped through and made a hole.  You then switch it on and place the marker near the center.  Holding your hand steady, slowly move the marker towards the edge of the plate.  Experiment to see how pulling it at different speeds changes the lines.  Add as many colors and circles as you want.  Then, if you have a small record player like mine, just flip the paper plate over and start again!