Psi wheel facts for kids

A psi wheel is a small, light object, often shaped like a tiny pyramid or cross. It's made from paper or thin metal foil. This wheel is carefully balanced on a sharp point, like a needle or a pin. People use psi wheels to try and show off telekinesis. Telekinesis is the idea of moving objects using only the power of your mind. The goal is to make the psi wheel spin without touching it or blowing on it.

How to Make a Psi Wheel

A common psi wheel design

Making a psi wheel is quite simple. The most common design looks like an upside-down pyramid or a funnel.

Making a Paper or Foil Wheel

To make this shape, you'll need a small square piece of paper or foil. It should be about 2 inches (5 cm) by 2 inches.

• First, fold the square in half lengthwise.
• Then, fold it in half widthwise.
• Next, fold it diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner.
• Repeat the diagonal fold for the other two corners.
• After making all these creases, gently bend the square along the folds. This will create the pyramid or funnel shape.

Making a Metal Cross Wheel

Another popular type of psi wheel is shaped like a cross. This one is made from a very thin sheet of metal, such as aluminum or brass.

• The arms of the cross are usually about 1.25 to 2 inches long.
• They are up to 1/4 inch wide.
• There's a small dent, called a dimple, right in the middle of the cross. This dimple helps the wheel balance perfectly on a sharp point.

Setting Up the Stand

Once you have your wheel, you need something sharp to balance it on.

• You can use a thumbtack, a pin, or a needle.
• A pen cap can also work if it has a pointed end.
• If you use a thumbtack or a pen cap, they can often stand on their own.
• For a needle, you'll need to stick it into something stable. Good choices include an eraser, a sponge, a small box, or a bottle cap. This gives the needle a firm base to hold the spinning wheel.
• Some people even fill a plastic bottle cap with a quick-drying glue like J-B Weld to hold the needle perfectly upright.

Protecting Your Psi Wheel

Sometimes, people place their psi wheels inside a clear glass or plastic container.

• This helps stop random air currents from making the wheel move by accident.
• It also prevents heat from your hands from affecting the wheel's movement. This way, any movement is more likely to be from the mind's power, if that's what you're testing!

See also

In Spanish: Psi wheel para niños