Learn about gravity with this fun experiment you can do at home!
Materials:
Pipe cleaners, clothespins, crafts sticks, chopsticks, a heavy object
Time Estimated:
15 minutes
Directions:
Find the center of the pipe cleaner and place it on top of the craft stick.
Then, wrap the pipe cleaner around the stick, making sure that it is secure.
Next, grab two clothespins and clip one on each end of the pipe cleaner.
Place your chopstick onto a flat surface and set your heavy object on top of it.
Try to balance the end of your craft stick on top of the chopstick.
Think Like a Scientist:
What would happen without the pipe cleaner and clothespins?
How It Works:
In this activity, you were able to move the craft stick’s center of gravity!
Gravity is a force that helps us keep our feet on the ground. Each and every planet and moon in space has a different strength of gravity. For example, our moon has less gravity than Earth. That is why everything seems to move in slow motion there!
So, what is the center of gravity? The center of gravity is what keeps us from falling over. It is the point on an object where the weight is even on all sides. For example, the center of gravity for our stick is in the center (the black x). For you, it should be right below your belly button!
Now, why did we wrap our craft stick in a pipe cleaner? It turns out, we can change an object's center of gravity! If you try balancing a craft stick by itself, it will be a little difficult because its center of gravity is so high above the support of the chopstick. By adding a pipe cleaner and clothespins, the center of gravity is now lowered to near the base of the support (the chopstick).
Now that we have experimented with the chopstick’s center of gravity, let’s try an experiment to test yours! Simply stand with your right shoulder and your right foot pressed against a wall. Then, lift your left foot off of the floor. How did you do? Were you able to stay with your right side against the wall?
Looking for more fun at home STEM activities for your young scientist? Check out our workbook full of exciting science experiments and empowering activities!
