Broom Finds Its Balance Point

1. Broom Finds Its Balance Point Materials: Broom or meter stick What you do: Balance it on two fingers and slowly move fingers together. What students see: Both fingers meet near the balance point. Question: Where will your fingers meet? 2. Balancing Soda Can Materials: Empty soda can; small amount of water What you do: Add a little water and tilt the can onto its lower rim. What students see: The can balances at an angle. Question: Why does a little water make balancing easier? 3. Pull-Back Car Stores Energy Materials: Pull-back toy car What you do: Pull the car backward, hold it, then release. What students see: It shoots forward without another push. Question: Where was the energy stored?

Predict → observe three demonstrations → compare what changed → choose independent activity station → cleanup/share. Guiding questions: Question: Where will your fingers meet? Question: Why does a little water make balancing easier? Question: Where was the energy stored?