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

• 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.

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

Adapted from a PhET^TM 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.