Build a Lever

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Learners build a lever and use it to lift a load. With the load on one end of the ruler, learners add coins to the effort cup at the other end until the load is lifted. Learners can experiment with moving the effort cup to different locations along the resistance arm and see how that affects the amount of load that can be moved.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Ruler (30 cm)
  • Pencil
  • Tape
  • 2 paper cups
  • A small rock or other weight
  • Handful of pennies

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Mass and Weight
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

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