Balancing Soda Can
The can balances at an angle.
Teaching & key ideas
What you do: Add a little water and tilt the can onto its lower rim.
What students see: The can balances at an angle.
Why it works: The water shifts the combined center of mass over the support point.
Question to ask: Why does a little water make balancing easier?
Lesson flow
Predict → demonstrate → observe → briefly explain → ask: Why does a little water make balancing easier?