Balancing the Plank
Science: Physical Science: Forces and Motion
6-8
45 Minutes
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
4.4
Balancing the Plank
Activity Overview
In this lesson, students will simulate a teeter-totter where people and objects of different masses are placed.
Objectives
- Students will be able to balance different masses on a teeter-totter.
- Students will solve equations for balancing different masses on a teeter-totter.
Vocabulary
- fulcrum
- torque
- lever
- mass
About the Lesson
In this lesson, students will simulate a teeter-totter where people and objects of different masses are placed at positions on either side to test for balance. This provides an opportunity for students to gather data and explore the conditions under which the teeter-totter is balanced.
As a result, students will:
- Describe a lever and fulcrum.
- Determine the positions for different mass arrangements to balance the teeter-totter.
Download Files
Science: Physical Science: Forces and Motion
6-8
45 Minutes
TI-Nspire™ CX series
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad®
4.4
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Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.