Balancing Act

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In this physics activity (page 6 of the PDF), learners will build a class 1 lever and hypothesize and test the distances two objects need to be placed from the fulcrum in order to balance. They will also describe the situation in mathematical terms. Although this activity was created as a pre-visit activity for a workshop about applications of levers, it also makes an excellent stand-alone activity!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Meter sticks (1 per student group)
  • Yarn
  • Washers
  • Paper
  • pencil

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Newton's Laws
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009