======Seesaw Scales======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** First Class Levers
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Use sticky tape to secure a binder clip (opened out) to a desk, creating the fulcrum.  
  - Place a ruler across the binder clip to act as the lever beam.  
  - Tape a paper cup to each end of the ruler to hold weights.  
  - Place different weights (such as nuts, marbles, or small masses) in the cups.  
  - Adjust the ruler’s position on the binder clip until the lever balances.  
  - Measure and record the distances from the fulcrum to each cup.  
  - Compare the distances and discuss how they relate to the amount of weight in each cup.



====Links==== 
Super Science - June 2023 - Simple Machines - Levers - Seesaw Experiment for K-5 - 
Massanutten Regional Library: 
{{youtube>RO0fjm4kreY?}}\\

📄 Seesaw scales - IET: [[https://education.theiet.org/primary/teaching-resources/seesaw-scales]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use different objects for weights, such as coins, stones, or small toys.  
  * Try using longer or shorter rulers to test how lever length affects balance.  
  * Set challenges for balancing unusual combinations of weights.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Ensure the binder clip is firmly taped to avoid slipping.  
  * Handle weights carefully to avoid dropping them on feet or fingers.  
  * Keep small weights like marbles away from very young children due to choking hazards.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What happens when the heavier weight is moved closer to the fulcrum? (It can balance a lighter weight farther from the fulcrum.)  
  * Why does the seesaw balance when one side has a smaller weight placed farther from the pivot? (Because the turning effect, or moment, depends on both the weight and its distance from the fulcrum.)  
  * How do levers make work easier in everyday tools like scissors or nutcrackers? (They increase force or change its direction, reducing the effort needed.)