Games
Straw Balance
Children create balances using straws and paper cups to measure and compare the weight of different objects, learning about equilibrium, weight, and measurement through hands-on play.
Materials
- Straws
- Cardboard
- Thread
- Paper Cup
- Pebbles
Click on the image to learn more
Checklist
- were the kids being able to make a balance that actually works?
- did kids make the structure that can identify the difference of weights between the objects? ( recognizing which side is heavier)
how to play
Divide the children into groups of 2. Begin by telling a short story, such as becoming shopkeepers who must weigh goods for their customers or scientists comparing the weight of mysterious objects, to make the activity engaging. Give each group a straw, two paper cups, string or tape, and a selection of small objects to weigh. Show them how to attach the cups to each end of the straw to create a simple balance and rest it on a stand or finger for measuring. Explain that they can place different objects in each cup to see which is heavier, lighter, or equal in weight. If children have difficulty, give hints such as: How can you make the cups hang evenly? What happens if you move the objects between cups? How can you make the balance steady? Make sure each child gets a turn to set up, weigh, and compare objects during the game.
Challanges
- Ask them to create their own balance equipment.
- Give them objects with different weights to balance against each other.
- Put different weights on each side and ask them to make balance by changing the weights on either side of the paper cups (changing the center of mass).
Questions to be asked
- If I add more weights on one side of the device, how would you make it balance?
- How do you know you got the exact right amount of products while going to the vendor's shop?