======See-Saw Lever======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Teeter-Totter Lever
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Have two children of similar weight sit on opposite sides of a see-saw. Adjust positions until the see-saw balances. Measure and record each distance from the fulcrum.  
  - Move one child closer to the fulcrum and observe what happens to the balance. Record results.  
  - Repeat with different seating arrangements and trials for accuracy.  
  - Replace one child with an adult and repeat the balancing test, adjusting distances to find balance.  
  - Record all observations in a data table including mass, distance, and whether the see-saw balanced or tipped.  




====Links==== 
How does seesaw work? - Wenjie L: 
{{youtube>HzxQLJL9vi8?}}\\


📄 The See-Saw as a Simple Machine - Science Buddis: [[https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Phys_p014/physics/see-saw-simple-machine]]\\


====Variations====
  * Predict and test where two lighter children should sit to balance one adult.  
  * Build a small lever model with a movable fulcrum and test how shifting the pivot affects balance.  
  * Explore how pushing down on one end of the see-saw can lift a heavy object on the other end. 



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use caution when getting on and off the see-saw to avoid falls.  
  * Ensure the see-saw is in good condition and used on a safe surface.  
  * Adult supervision is required.




====Questions to Consider====
  * How does the distance from the fulcrum affect the ability to balance different masses? (Greater distance increases leverage, requiring less mass to balance.)  
  * What are the three classes of levers and where does the see-saw fit? (It is a first-class lever, where the fulcrum is between the load and effort.)  
  * What everyday tools work like levers? (Examples: hammer, stapler, pliers, shovel.)  
  * Why do levers make lifting heavy objects easier? (They multiply force by increasing the distance over which the force is applied.)