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In this demonstration, learners investigate mass, gravity, and acceleration by dropping a wooden bar with a balloon attached to its underside, a mass suspended from it by rubber bands, and a sharp-pointed screw pointing upward from the top of the mass. This activity also helps learners understand why stomach muscles feel uncomfortable and tense during a free fall or on a roller coaster. Learners can also explore this concept by dropping a slinky.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- slinky
- wooden bar
- balloons
- rubber bands
- sharp-pointed screw
- pillow, jacket, or other soft object (optional)
- collection of steel washers
- machine screw
- wing nut
- hot glue gun and hot glue
- binder clip
- adhesive-backed Velcro pieces
- string
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Body
- The Brain and Nervous System
- Muscles and Skin
-
Human Body
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Gravity
- Acceleration
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Mass and Weight
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- hear
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Rathjen, Don
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium,