Experiment

1. Start off with two popsicle sticks. Lay them in an “X” on a flat surface.
2. Weave the end of a third popsicle stick underneath the end of the popsicle stick on the bottom of the “X.” The rest of the third stick should go over top of the popsicle stick on the top of the “X.” Make sure to keep pressure on the third stick.
3. Repeat step 2 with a fourth popsicle stick. This time, start underneath the second popsicle stick and weave over the third.
4. Continue adding popsicle sticks in this fashion until you have a really long chain!
5. Once you’ve extended the chain to your heart’s content… let go! The popsicles will release in a chain reaction that will have everyone in the area jumping for joy.

How Does It Work?

The key to the Popsicle Chain Reaction comes from potential and kinetic energy. As you weave the popsicle sticks together, you are continually building potential energy. Each popsicle stick is bent over the stick before it and pinned under the stick before that, creating tension in the wood. When you finally have the chain length that you want, you let go and all of the tension and potential energy is released in a chain reaction of kinetic energy!