
Student centripetal swinging tray, great STEM activity
Feb 7, 2026
The centripetal swinging bucket and tray demonstrations has been around for centuries and is a classic physics demonstration that has been shown to students of all ages. Using some cardboard, string, and some tape, here's an easy build that allows students to try this updated demonstration for themselves If worried about getting wet, some suggestions for alternative objects to swing are suggested. Additional investigations can be tried such as changing the length of the tray strings, testing the effects of change of mass, and determining how the center of mass affects the stability of the tray.
