Figure 1
Project 3- Proposal
Jennifer Supancic, Matt Vojik, and Matthew Cain
In Project 3, we will design a group activity that introduces 6th grade children to the concepts of moments and fulcrums.
The children, in groups of two or three, will balance weights on uniquely shaped beams to examine how shape and mass effects the balance points of objects.
In order to participate, each group of children will be given a base, a uniquely shaped beam, and several weights. The object of the exercise is to arrange the various weights on the beam in such a manner that the beam balances (see Figure 1).
In our Activity Box will be a variety of balance beams, all of different shapes, an assortment of different sized and shapedweights, and several bases, at least one for each group of children.
Figure 1
Our design engages children in an excercise involving fulcrums and moments, which engineers deal with everyday. As this excercise is not competition-based, it should appeal to all types of children. Given sufficient equipment, 30 (or more) students could easily take part simultaneously. The components could be constructed of no dangerous or fragile materials, and would be small enough to be easily transported in a compact car.