Balance Beam Challenges

Last week we experimented with levers. If you had fun with that one or did not get to try it, here is another similar challenge you can try.

Materials you will need:

• Lever (a ruler works well for this)
• Fulcrum (we used large eraser)
• 20 Weights (we used washers, but coins would work great too)

Challenges

1. Balance an equal number of weights on each side.
2. Balance it with 5 on one side and 15 on the other.
3. Balance it with all the weights on one side.
   

Does it matter where you put the weights? What happens when you move the fulcrum?
Can you find more than one solution for any of the challenges? Try making a graph of your results. Put the number of weights on one side on one axis and the distance from the fulcrum on the other. Is there any pattern?

Try it!