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eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: Gyroscopic Effects: Vector Aspects of Angular Momentum

For Students 11th - 12th
From a chapter on Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum in a Physics textbook. This section of the chapter explains how to use the right-hand rule to determine direction for angular velocity, momentum, and torque. Also discusses the...
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Handout
MadSci Network

Mad Scientist Network: How Can a Gyroscope Defy Gravity

For Students 9th - 10th
Explanation of the seemingly gravity-defying feats of a gyroscope. Focuses on the reason behind its operation. Includes illustrations.
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Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Lab Activity: Tops

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The Illinois Institute of Technology provides a lab activity on precession and spinning tops. Designed for primary grades, but easily adapted for any level. Includes directions and assessment ideas.
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Elmer Sperry

For Students 9th - 10th
A prolific inventor and businessman, Sperry engineered a gyrocompass that made piloting ships, airplanes, and even spacecraft more reliable. He formed eight different companies to produce his inventions, some still in use today.
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Bicycle Wheel Gyro

For Students 9th - 10th
Description of a museum exhibit in which the spinning bicycle wheel induces the rotation of a student in a rotating chair. Excellent demonstration idea.
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Gyroscope

For Students 9th - 10th
Description of a museum exhibit in which the forces exerted by two gyroscope wheels are analyzed. Excellent demonstration idea.
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Website
Other

Glenn Turner: Gyroscope Math Page

For Students 9th - 10th
The mathematics associated with gyroscopes can be investigated through this interactive page. Users enter critical parameters about gyroscopes and rotational motion descriptors are given.
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Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Bicycle Wheel Gyro

For Students 9th - 10th
Did you know that by holding a spinning bicycle wheel you can make a rotating chair spin? This activity will have you spinning as you use a bicycle wheel as a gyroscope.
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Article
Famous Scientists

Famous Scientists: Leon Foucault

For Students 9th - 10th
This article describes the life and discoveries of Leon Foucault.
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Website
Other

Precession of a Gyroscope and of the Earth's Axis

For Students 9th - 10th
Describes and calculates the precession of a gyroscope and also discusses the precession of the Earth's axis. Includes several pictures, diagrams, formulas, and details.
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Handout
Other

Hvpm: Lepidoptera and Diptera

For Students 9th - 10th
A description of the wing structure of the Lepidoptera and the Diptera.
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Unit Plan
Learn AP Physics

Learn Ap Physics: Physics B: Circular Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
A site dedicated to help students prepare for the AP Physics B test. This specific site reviews circular motion including uniform circular motion, torque, rotational statics, gyroscopes, moment of inertia, and static equilibrium. Site...
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Website
Other

Personal: The Laws of Motion

For Students 9th - 10th
This personal site explains the physics of angular momentum and their application to flight. Part of a much larger site on the procedures, principles, and perceptions of flight.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Understanding the Gyroscopic Effect

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what a gyroscope is and the physics behind how it works.
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Website
Space Telescope Science Institute

Amazing Space: Hubble Site Pointing Controls

For Students 9th - 10th
The Hubble space telescope uses some very basic physics to turn itself around and look at different parts of the sky. Learn about the gyroscopes that Hubble uses and the different spacecraft systems Hubble employs on its missions.