In the Studio: How Sine Waves Work – Using LEGO and Slow-Motion Video

In the Studio: How Sine Waves Work – Using LEGO and Slow-Motion Video
Turning Circular Motion into a Sinusoidal Wave on Paper
#MathsExplained #EdTechVideos #STEMLearning

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Understanding trigonometry can be a challenge for many students—until they see it in action. In our latest studio project, we used a combination of LEGO, paper, and some creative engineering to bring sine waves to life. The result? A fantastic visual demonstration of how circular motion translates into a smooth sinusoidal curve.

The Setup

Using LEGO bricks and Technic pieces, we built a model that converts the rotation of a circular wheel into a horizontal motion, moving a pen back and forth in a wave pattern as a piece of paper slides steadily past. At first glance, it might look like just a fun contraption, but it beautifully captures the heart of how sine and cosine waves work.

As the pen reacts to the circular motion, its vertical position changes over time. If you plot that height against horizontal distance, you end up drawing a sine wave—a perfect example of how maths and motion go hand in hand.

Capturing It in Slow Motion

We filmed the setup using a high-frame-rate camera to slow the motion down. This let us clearly show how the rotating arm drives the pen up and down while the paper moves steadily sideways. When played back, students can see how each point on the wave corresponds exactly to a position in the circle. Using macro lenses we can almost get inside the machine to see what is going on and create more than one view at a time.

Suddenly, those equations like
y = sin(θ)
…aren’t just abstract—they’re real, mechanical, and moving right in front of you.

Why It Works for Teaching

This hands-on model helps students understand:

• How the unit circle relates to sine and cosine values

• Why waves are periodic

• The connection between angular motion and linear motion

• That maths isn't just theory—it models the world around us

And let’s be honest: anything involving LEGO instantly increases engagement.

Bringing Innovation into the Classroom

In our studio, we’re always exploring how to make abstract maths and science topics accessible. Whether through physical models, green-screen video, or slow-motion filming, we use every tool at our disposal to make learning visual, practical, and fun.

If you're a teacher, tutor, or just a curious learner, try building your own sine wave machine—or drop us a message and we’ll show you how we did it!

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📽️ Watch the full video on our YouTube channel
💬 Want a workshop on this? We run STEM workshops for schools and online.

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Engagement through innovation. Learning through doing. That’s what we’re all about.

#MathsExplained #LEGOinLearning #STEMeducation #EdTechVideos #TrigonometryMadeEasy #PhilipMRussellLtd