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Permalink Reply by Tink in Tokyo on February 7, 2012 at 3:40pm

That's a German wheel in the video. It's basically two roue cyr with spacers between. Any "human wheel" you construct is going to be a big budget item because the materials must be perfectly rigid and heavy. (This may also lead to crushed fingers and other injuries if museum visitors are invited to play)

Maybe you can make a doll-sized German wheel? I remember seeing mechanical toys of this style when I was a kid.

Or invite someone from a local circus (or maybe one of the universities does circus arts, I know CMU has a juggling club) to do a performance. That's also pricey, but probably cheaper than buying a roue cyr.

Or you could look for a monowheel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monowheel

Hoop rolling with a stick might be a way to connect the hoop to the idea of an axle, making a transition to a wheel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoop_rolling

Here's a fun experiment: http://www.physics.isu.edu/physdemos/mech/hoopwhee.htm

Sounds like a fun project and I'm sure the kids will love your exhibition.

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Permalink Reply by Stefanie Moser on February 9, 2012 at 7:23am

Thank you so much, Tink! I totally appreciate your insight and most helpful suggestions!!! You rock!

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