Education Technology

Balancing Act (HS)

Subject Area
Science: Physics: Rotational Equilibrium and Simple Machines
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.4

Balancing Act (HS)

Activity Overview

In this lesson, students will simulate, observe and manipulate the variables of lever and fulcrum as well as force vectors and torque.

Objectives

  • Students will describe a lever and fulcrum.
  • Students will define force vectors and torque.
  • Students will solve proportions for balancing different weights on a teeter-totter balance.

Vocabulary

  • acceleration
  • mass
  • force
  • Newton
  • fulcrum
  • simple machine
  • gravity
  • torque
  • lever

About the Lesson

Adapted from a PhETTM simulation, this lesson is a simulation of a teeter-totter where people and objects of different masses are placed at either end to test for balance.  This provides and opportunity to explore a lever and fulcrum simple machine, as well as to measure torque

As a result students will:

  • Describe a lever and fulcrum
  • Define weight as a force, as well as the unit of measurements for force.
  • Measure torque and solve equations involving torque.
PhET is a trademark owned by the Regents of the University of Colorado, which was not involved in the production of, nor do they endorse this product.

Subject Area
Science: Physics: Rotational Equilibrium and Simple Machines
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.4
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.