How to Make a Mini Wave Model

This is a great model for waves that move, reflect, stand, and wiggle, perfect for a starter project in classrooms learning about waves and motion.

Concepts: waves, propagation, physics

Time: Ranges from 30 minutes to an hour

Cost: $5

Materials:

• Nut and bolt (2)
• Nuts (28)
• Candy sticks (seven 8 inch sticks to cut into fourteen 4 inch sticks)
• String (32 inches)
• Block of wood (any wood works)
• Drill
• Hot glue gun
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Sharpie or marker
• Paint

I painted 2 coats of blue acrylic paint onto my block. I used a bigger brush so that it was easier and quicker to paint the whole thing.

Drill a hole a little narrower than the nut and bolt 1/2 inch away from the end of the block of wood. Do the same thing on the opposite end of the block of wood. Insert the nuts and bolts. Mine stuck out of the block of wood by 3 inches.

Next, wrap a 32 inch string around the nuts and blots and tie it tightly so the string is very taut.

Cut the candy sticks into lengths of 4 inches. You should cut enough to have a total of 14 dumbbells. Then, twist nuts onto both end of each candy stick to create the mini dumbbells.

Mark 1 inch spacings across the string starting 1/2 inch away from the nut and bolt on one end of the string.

Use a hot glue gun to attach the dumbbells. Make sure to put hot glue on both ends of the strings. Press down on the dumbbells for 10 seconds to make sure they hold on the string.

Now you're ready to use your mini wave model!