What Makes My Top Spin?

Backpack Science is an innovative, integrated learning tool that uses inquiry-based activities to build links between science, math and language arts.

Students will love using the flashing, spinning tops and other colorful gizmos contained in this clear plastic backpack for hands-on explorations of energy. There are 4 lesson plans provided that explore force, inertia, gravity, friction, axis, centripetal force and more. The backpack also contains instruction cards for 12 other activities which can be done in centers in the classroom or as take-home projects.

Also included is the book "Forces Make Things Move" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (softcover, 40 pages), which provides an excellent accompaniment to the inquiry-based activities. Developed by teachers Jo-Anne Lake and Michelle Goslin.