A Learning Link to the Petersen Automotive Museum

Spindizzies

Spindizzy is a nickname for a type of model race car that is powered by gasoline. These little cars race in circles on a round track. A strong cable connects each car to a pole in the center. Watching them race can make you dizzy!

Spindizzies come in many different body designs. Sometimes the designs are taken from common animals or objects. The engines are placed in various places within the body of the car.

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Activity

Match the Spindizzy on the left with the design it was modeled after on the right. Then, look at the three Spindizzies and put an X where you think the engine is located in each body.

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Answers

Car 1 is modeled after a teardrop. The engine is in the front.

Car 2 is modeled after a frog. The engine is in the middle.

Car 3 is modeled after an arrow. The engine is in the middle.

Now, try drawing a Spindizzy of your own. Look around the room and find an object to use as a model for your design. Don’t tell anyone. When you finish, show the Spindizzy to others. See if they can figure out what it was modeled after.

“Spindizzies: High Speed on a Small Scale” is a new exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum through February 27, 2000. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. For more information call (323) 930-2277.