Education Technology

Balancing Act (MG)

Subject Area
Science: Physical Science: Forces and Motion
Level
6-8
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.4
Accessories
TI-Innovator™ Hub
TI-Innovator™ Hub

Balancing Act (MG)

Activity Overview

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

Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify a lever and fulcrum.
  • Students will solve one-step equations for balancing different masses on a teeter-totter balance.

Vocabulary

  • force
  • lever
  • fulcrum
  • simple machine
  • imbalance
  • mass

About the Lesson

Adapted from a PhET™ simulation, this less involves students using TI-Nspire technology to simulate, observe and manipulate the variables of lever and fulcrum as well as force vectors and torque.

 

As a result, students will:

  • Describe a lever and fulcrum
  • Determine the positions for different mass arrangements to balance on the teeter-totter.
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: Physical Science: Forces and Motion
Level
6-8
Activity Time
45 Minutes
Software
TI-Nspire™ CX
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire Version
4.4
Accessories
TI-Innovator™ Hub
TI-Innovator™ Hub
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.