Magnetic Seesaw

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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets. Use this activity to demonstrate how a lever is a simple machine and how magnets repel and attract depending on the alignment of the poles. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 base board (4"x6")
  • 4 magnets
  • 1 tongue depressor
  • 2 corks
  • 1 straw
  • 1 toothpick
  • card stock or thick paper
  • hot glue gun
  • pencil
  • coloring pencils
  • scissors

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electromagnetic Fields
      • Earth's Magnetic Field
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Mission Science Workshop

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Mission Science Workshop, 2013

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