PURPOSE: To illustrate a combination of simultaneous orthogonal oscillations.

DESCRIPTION: Stroke the notches with the V-shaped section on the stroker stick. The end pin will execute circular or elliptical motion, causing the propeller to rotate. Rubbing either your thumb or your forefinger on the stick (by sliding your hand slightly back and forth) reverses the phase of the horizontal oscillation with respect to the vertical oscillation of the pin, causing the rotation of the pin and the propeller to reverse.

If you call this thing the HOOEY stick, you can actually get it to reverse rotation by shouting "HOOEY" at it! Freaks out the little kids and confuses the older ones.

You can make your own Ouija Windmill by following these simple instructions. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.)

SUGGESTIONS: Practice. With a bit of luck, you can actually use this device to answer questions, predict the future, etc.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.) See Demonstration Reference File for a number of articles related to this device. These gizzits may also be called the "Gee-Haw Whimmy Diddle," the "HOOEY stick," the "Whammy Doodle," the "Voodoo Stick," or the "Notched Stick with Rotor."

EQUIPMENT: Ouija windmill, as photographed.

SETUP TIME: None.