Magnetic Seesaw


Source Institutions


Add to list Go to activity
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

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

Related Video