March of the Penguins (metronome synchronization)

In this demo Penguin Metronomes are used to illustrate synchronization, irrespective of initial conditions (more specifically: they all start at different times).

1. Place two pop cans on a level surface, about 30cm apart
2. Place a metal plate on the cans such that the cans act like 'wheels' for the plate.
3. Set the BPM on the penguins to maximum (200BPM) using it's bowtie weight. Penguin P3 is a little fast, so nudge it's bowtie up a little from 200. (<1mm)
4. Wind the penguins fully.
5. Place the penguins on the metal plate
6. Let the penguins tick! The penguins will sync up within a minute or so, and last until their winding mechanisms are exhausted (about 15minutes)

Student report related to the penguins:

Penguin Synchronization Conditions report