Balance Guy

January 7, 2013
If the center of gravity is below the point you would like to balance something
you can balance it on that point.

This idea is in the Structures sets.

Make the "arms" on each side the same length.

The center of gravity is below her finger so the toy balances.

Or balance them on your nose.

of Linda Hamilton hamilton@marshall.edu With support from  Webpages and pictures on http://www.marshall.edu/LEGO Web camera on http://legocamera.marshall.edu Teleoperate AppaLEGO CITY at http://lego.marshall.edu NASA site of Remote Sensing on http://SENSORSCITY.marshall.edu

Objective: to learn about (1) center of gravity (2) toys and how they have changed over time
Essential Questions:
1. What makes something a toy?
2. How have toys changed over time?
3. What is center of gravity?
Materials: LEGO Simple Machine Sets and angled connectors in LEGO Bridge Set

Name: _______________
LEGO �Center of Gravity Balance Toy�

Discussion:
1. What makes something a toy?
2. How have toys changed over time?
3. What is center of gravity?

Center of Gravity is the point at which all of the weight of an object appears to be concentrated.

Instructions:
 You are going to build a LEGO Center of Gravity Toy. Once it has been built, check each task that you are able to complete.

_____ Toy can balance on the end of my index finger.
_____ Toy can balance on the end of my nose, knees, and toes.
_____ Toy can stay balanced while I am walking.
 
 

____ How long can your toy spin on its �axis� in the platform?

 Try 1: __________ seconds
 Try 2: __________ seconds
 Try 3: __________ seconds

 by Mrs. Salter