gandhi-charkha-making-project

Working model of Gandhi’s charkha (spinning wheel)

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Creating a working model of Gandhi’s charkha (spinning wheel) using cardboard and colored paper is a great educational project. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you make one:

Materials Needed:

  1. Cardboard (for the base)
  2. Colored paper (for decoration)
  3. Pencil and ruler
  4. Craft glue or hot glue gun
  5. Scissors
  6. Wooden sticks (for the charkha spindle)
  7. Small piece of thick cardboard (for the spindle handle)
  8. Thread or yarn (for the spindle)
  9. Small round beads (optional, for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Working model of Gandhi’s charkha (spinning wheel)
  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Draw a circle on the cardboard to represent the base of the charkha. This circle will be the wheel of the charkha.
    • Cut out the circle using scissors.
  2. Create the Wheel:
    • Cut a small circle from the center of the large circle to create the wheel.
    • This should leave you with a ring-shaped piece of cardboard.
  3. Decorate the Wheel:
    • Cover the wheel with colored paper to make it visually appealing.
    • Use craft glue to attach the paper. Let it dry.
  4. Spindle and Handle:
    • Take two wooden sticks of different lengths. One will be the spindle, and the other will be the handle.
    • Attach the shorter stick (handle) perpendicular to the longer one (spindle) using glue, forming a “T” shape.
  5. Attach the Spindle:
    • Find the center of the wheel (where you made the small hole).
    • Insert the longer wooden stick through this hole, so that it can spin freely.
    • Attach a small round bead at the end of the spindle to prevent it from slipping out.
  6. Create the Uprights:
    • Cut two thin strips of cardboard to form the uprights of the charkha.
    • Attach these strips to the base, perpendicular to the wheel, using glue.
    • Ensure they are spaced evenly and parallel to each other.
  7. Attach the Spindle Handle:
    • Attach the handle (the shorter wooden stick) to the uprights using glue, making sure it can spin freely.
  8. Decorate the Uprights:
    • Cover the uprights with colored paper for decoration and added stability.
  9. Add Thread:
    • Tie a piece of thread or yarn around the spindle, creating a loop that will catch the cotton or wool.
  10. Test Your Charkha:
    • Turn the wheel gently to see if the spindle rotates smoothly. Adjust any parts if needed.

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