Description: Investigate lever and fulcrum (simple machines) with fuzzy pom-poms and a pop stick catapult. The catapult is basically a lever. A lever is a simple machine with a beam on a fixed hinge, or fulcrum. A lever is rigid but can see-saw on its fulcrum. The catapult stores energy when its arm is pulled down over the fulcrum. Energy is released to launch the pom-pom payload. Where should you place the fulcrum to store the most energy and create the longest launch?
Includes:
Teacher Background
Literacy Connection
Student Activity & Logbook Page
Assessment & Design Rubric