Mechanical Recorder, via Edison and Dixie Cups

This cool little do-it-yourself machine takes cues from Edison's original designs, and takes a twist using modern materials. The kit lets you record and play back on essentially an Edison 'cylinder' -- but the medium isn't wax or lacquer: it's a plastic cup.

As a dad, I'm always a fan of anything that teaches, plus has the awe-causing "wow -- how does it DO that?!?" reaction, so this may go a long ways for inspiring some understanding in your kids...the $65 pricetag, however, is a bit high for a novelty project. The mechanics aren't particularly complex, so a industrious Instructables user will probably have something simpler, that can be made with stuff around the house. (via)