Fidget Spinner Investigation

There is a hot new toy on the market! If you do not have one, the person next to you probably does. They're called Fidget spinners. Why are these fidget spinners becoming so popular? who invented them? why were they even invented in the first place? Should you be allowed to bring them into schools? Do they really help with focus?

Lets Investigate!

In this long term investigation, you will:

• create a timeline about fidget spinners
• conduct research about the different perspectives of fidget spinners
• design an experiment to support one side of the controversy about fidget spinners
• Experiment with and observe the features of a fidget spinner
• create a resource in which you can communicate your results

This webquest consists of three parts:

Part 1: What is a fidget spinner?

     In part one you will create a timeline.  Timelines help us understand history. They also tell us what happened when and how much time went by between events. A timeline is a way of displaying a list of events in chronological order. It is typically a graphic design showing a long bar labelled with dates alongside itself and usually events.

     You are responsible for choosing how you want to display your timeline. Here are some options:

• powerpoint
• word document
• small posterboard
• video media

Your timeline should have a minimum of 10 events dating  fidget spinner/fidget toys. Make sure to:

• cite your sources
• include graphics and descriptions
• add as much detail as you can
• be clear, neat and organized

Use the links below to help you create your timeline.

Part 2: How and why are fidget spinners used?

In this part of the investigation you will research why and how spinners are used? copy and paste the following questions into a word document. Answer each question in as much detail according to your research.

1.      What was the original cause for the device?

2.      How does the device work?

3.      State the controversies about fidget spinners.

4.      State three claims made for each side. (cite your sources)

5.      Which side do you agree with?

When creating your document make sure to include

• Full heading
• Times new roman font
• 12 point font
• All 5 questions
• Full sentences
• sources

Part 3: which spinner spins the longest experiment

You will gain more knowledge and background information by:

conducting an experiment where you will observe the true features of a spinner and

collect data, and conclude which spinner spins the longest!

Part 4: Designing an experiment

In part 4 of this investigation, you will design an experiment using variables and the scientific method. Use the worksheet provided to identify your OWN testable question.

• State the problem
• Form a hypothesis
• Design experiment
• Do experiment, collect data
• State a conclusion
• Communicate results

Communicate your results using one of the following:

• Powerpoint presentation
• Essay (word document)
• Posterboard
• Video presentation

Make sure to include:

• All parts of the scientific method
• all parts that a lab report consists of (see lab grading rubric)