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Learners explore the concepts of equilibrium and center of mass by seeing how non-symmetrical objects balance. They balance a paper parrot cut-out on a wire coat hanger and find that their parrot exists in stable equilibrium — it returns to its balancing point after being disturbed. This activity can be combined with other activities to create a larger lesson. Resource contains suggestions for assessment, extensions, and scaling for different levels of learners.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Empty cereal box or cardboard
- Wire hanger (alternative: string)
- Large paper clips
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Colored markers
- pencils or crayons
- Tape
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Center of Gravity
-
Motion and Forces
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:
- Duren, Sabre ; Heavner, Ben ; Schaefer Zarske, Malinda ; Carlson, Denise
Source Collection
- TeachEngineering
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2004
Funding Sources:
- Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)
- U.S. Department of Education
- National Science Foundation, 0226322