Set It Straight
Source Institutions
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WGBH
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In this activity, learners build a simple tabletop seesaw to test how different variables (the position of the fulcrum, distance, weight) affect its balance under increasing weight loads. Extension activities encourage learners to build a multiplatform seesaw and to make and adjust the balance on a hanging mobile.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Seesaw platform (e.g., ruler, paint stirrer, large craft stick, or yardstick)
- Tape
- Toilet-paper tube
- Weights (e.g., pennies or metal washers)
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Model Building
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Foreign language versions of this resource:
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:
- WGBH
Source Collection:
- FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2007
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0610406
- Public television viewers
- Arby's
- Greendog
