Free Wheel

This is a cardboard wheel with an internal winding mechanism. Roll the wheel--release, and it will return toward its original position.

Materials and How It Works

This requires cardboard, glue, two fishing weights (3 ounce), rubber bands and a paperclip.

The weights allow the rubber band to twist, and the twist in the rubber band rolls the wheel.

Draw circles (8 inch diameter or larger) and cut 22 pieces of cardboard.

For the two end pieces, punch two 1/4 inch holes--each one 1/2 inch away from the center of the circle.

For twenty of the cardboard circles, cut out the inside (leave about 3/4 inch for an outer ring).

Glue

Glue a ring to one of the end pieces.

Glue the other 19 pieces together.

Use one or more rubber bands to achieve an unstretched length of about 7 inches..

Pull the rubber bands through the two holes on one end of the wheel.

Pull each end of the rubber band through the "eye" loop of the fishing weight.

Pull an end of the rubber band through the remaining wheel side. Open the paper clip and secure the rubber band end.

Secure the other end of the rubber band with the paper clip.

Roll the wheel in either direction. This will wind it up. Release and it should return in the direction from whence it came.