How to Make a Sand Pendulum

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Things You'll Need

  • 1- to 2-inch stone or mineral

  • Jelly roll tray

  • Sand

  • 12 inches of twine

  • Scissors

You can create your own sand pendulum out of basic materials.

Pendulums can be used to draw beautiful patterns in sand, all from the Earth's natural gravitational pull. Although you can purchase a pendulum from a specialty store, it can be more exciting to create your own sand pendulum using a few simple materials that can be found around the house. To successfully make a homemade sand pendulum, it is necessary to follow a few guidelines that will ensure the pendulum will move around the sand properly.

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Step 1

Cut a piece of twine to measure 12 inches.

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Step 2

Tie one end of the twine around a 1- to 2-inch mineral or crystal.

Step 3

Fill the bottom of a jelly roll tray with sand.

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Step 4

Hold the pendulum 12 inches above the tray.

Step 5

Position the pendulum to barely touch the sand, and allow it to swing naturally.

Step 6

After the pendulum swings for about one minute, examine the patterns that the pendulum left behind in the sand.

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