The gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity. It is a spinning wheel or disc in which the axis of rotation (spin axis) is free to assume any orientation by itself.
Gyroscopes are very important tools of physics and examples of them can be found inside the steel hull of a submerged submarine and in the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as a version of the gyroscope is found in most smart phones and watches.
This simple metal gyroscope is fun and once you get it spinning you can make the gyroscope balance on a tabletop, on the clear plastic sphere it comes in or even on your finger. You thread the string in the middle and pull to get it spinning.
Each gyroscope includes a clear plastic sphere (also functions as a stand and a storage case), a 75cm easy-to-thread string, and an instruction manual.
This science tool, made of metal, also teaches about the physics of motion, forces, and gravity so it makes a great gift for a budding scientist or anyone with a curious mind.
Suitable for ages 8 and up.