This easy balancing ice skater STEM problem is the primary of a sequence of Winter Olympic themed science actions. The thought is to make a cardstock skater connected to a small piece of dowel, steadiness in your finger! It appears unattainable, however with a little bit of intelligent science, it really works rather well and appears wonderful.
It is an effective way to be taught concerning the centre of mass and steadiness, whereas patiently making small changes and observing how they modify the place of the skater. Play-dough works effectively as you may simply regulate how a lot you utilize and its place.
Balancing Ice Skater Problem
You will want
- Small piece of dowel
- Play doh
- Paper straws
- Cardstock/card ice skater
- Tape
Directions
Reduce the skater picture out from the template web page or draw your individual.
Connect a small piece of dowel to the skater as proven within the picture.
Attempt to steadiness the dowel in your finger, the skater ought to fall off.
Connect two straws to the again of the skater utilizing tape, so that they level downwards diagonally on all sides.
Attempt to steadiness the skater once more. If it falls off, add a bit Play-Doh to the underside of every and regulate till the skater balances.
Why does it work
The ice skater stays balanced when its centre of mass is instantly above the picket dowel. Gravity pulls downwards, and if the centre of mass isn’t lined up over the dowel on the backside, it creates a turning drive that suggestions the ice skater over.
Including straws and Play-Doh adjustments the centre of mass of the ice skater and the dowel. Adjusting the straws and Play-Doh little by little strikes the centre of mass over the dowel, balancing the skater.
Final Up to date on January 25, 2026 by Emma Vanstone
