Learning to balance counterweights is a useful skill for young children. You can provide them with a solid foundation of physics in just one afternoon of activity. Collect items around the house and watch your children learn to use a barbell.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Collect the Items
Step 1. Find a hanger with notches
You will need hangers, plastic or wooden, with notches in the top so that you can hang clothes with straps.
Step 2. Grab some fishing line or ball of yarn
The ball of yarn is more suitable for small children, while the fishing line or twine may be better for older children, given its more sophisticated look.
Step 3. Wash two yoghurt pots
They should be at least 120g containers and should have a wide opening. Wash and dry them well.
You can also use plastic cups
Step 4. Place the items on a workbench
Get a hole punch or small pointed awl for the plastic. This part of the project is best handled by an adult.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Barbell
Step 1. Arrange all the pieces on a work table
Make sure the baby can reach them all.
Step 2. Explain the project to the child
Hold the hanger and show how it tilts from side to side when you place weights on the ends. Show him how you will hang objects on both sides to balance the scale and compare the objects based on their weight.
Step 3. Measure the circumference of identical plastic jars
A measuring tape is perfect for this purpose. Divide the circumference by three, considering that you will make three equally spaced holes in each jar.
- For example, if it measures 15cm, you will mark a hole every 5cm.
- Try to do the math together with the baby. This is a great and simple math activity for a school-age child.
Step 4. Mark a hole with a permanent marker near the top edge, one third away from the other two
Repeat on the other plastic jar.
Step 5. Thread an awl or punch through each mark made
Do this part of the project yourself. You can also tape the wire onto the jar if you want your child to do the whole thing.
Step 6. Measure six pieces, of equal length, of ball or fishing line
They should be about 30cm long.
Step 7. Tie one end of a thread into a hole and secure it firmly with a double knot
Repeat for each hole in the yogurt pot and tie the top three threads together. Tie a knot at the top too, so you can hang the jars.
Repeat with the other plastic jar
Step 8. Place the knot made with the three threads on the notch of the hanger
Repeat with the other jar. Make sure both containers are connected and aligned before you start playing.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Barbell to Play
Step 1. Hang the hanger on a door handle or curtain rod
Step 2. Give the child some dried pulses
Put some legumes on one side and then ask them to fill the other end until the weight is even.
Step 3. Continue the adventure with the baby toys that are small enough to fit in the jars
Have the child calculate the equivalent weight on the other side.
Step 4. Decorate the barbell with your child
Inform him that each decoration must be exactly the same in every part, to ensure that the items are weighed appropriately. Discuss a mirror or symmetrical image to encourage its learning.
