Physics 2.2: Pre-K/K & Lower Elementary

 Hello all! 

Today we had such a fun class learning about the lever - one of the six simple machines we will learn about this quarter! We did a whole class on just the lever because they are so incredibly diverse! There are 3 classes of levers - class one has the fulcrum in the middle, class two has the resistance/load in the middle, and class three has the effort/force in the middle.

  

We started the class with homework review and a book on simple machines, and then jumped into a demonstration on the power of a lever. First, we lifted a heavy box of books (though certain students insisted it was NOT HEAVY AT ALL!! 😂), and then we used a broomstick situated on a fulcrum to act as a lever and were able to lift the box pushing down with only one finger! This is a class one lever. Then we made a class one lever - a catapult using a popsicle stick, marker, and plastic spoon! I sent these home with the kids sans marker because those were from the supply closet. If they attach a marker (or some other fulcrum) to it they can have fun experimenting with their lever all week. We did a cotton ball to launch but at home maybe they could experiment with objects with more weight to see which goes further! 

Then we discussed all different examples of levers, such as brooms, staplers, shovels, and wheelbarrows and read some more books about levers. 

Levers are so interesting and so diverse - they are even in our body. 

For homework this week, the kids can watch some videos, draw some pictures, and then do an easy lever activity. 

Silly video/song about a lever at a CIRCUS!! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-3RyYU8xpQ&ab_channel=bunkostudios

How can we move a heavy rock? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lueqE0lxLyc&ab_channel=SciShowKids

Draw a picture of something you did this week using a LEVER - did you cut with scissors? Sweep with a broom? Use nail clippers or a wheelbarrow? Draw a picture and bring it to class so we can discuss next week. LE KIDS: What class of lever did you use? If you can’t figure it out just ask your parents to help! 

ALL GRADES EXPERIMENT: Place your little finger under the edge of one book. Try to lift the book with your finger. If you can lift it, add another book. Keep adding till you can’t lift with your little finger anymore. Now, place one pencil along the edge of one book. Place one end of the second pencil (or ruler or popsicle stick, etc.) under the book and on top of the first pencil (setup pictured below) Use your little finger to push down on the second pencil. Can you lift the stack of books? Can you add more? Keep adding till you can’t lift anymore! What is the best spot to push on the pencil so that it is easiest to lift the books? If you readjust the pencil on the bottom (the fulcrum) does it get easier or harder to lift the stack? Why do you think so?   

  

Have a great week everyone! 

-Betsy