Science you can do at home: Simple machines experiment

The GSK Science in the Summer program has been visiting area libraries this summer, teaching children different scientific principles and teaching them through fun experiments.

To spread the joy of science, GSK Science in the Summer is sharing an experiment from its Simple Machines curriculum that anyone can do at home. (For optimum safety, an adult should be present during all experiments, and children should wear safety glasses when conducting experiments at home and school.)

Making baskets: Experiment on catapults

There are six types of simple machines: lever, inclined plane, wedge, screw, wheel and axle, and pulley. Catapults, a type of first-class lever, are used to toss objects into the air.

In this experiment, you will get to build your own catapult and use it to play a fun game that is similar to basketball.

Materials: safety glassesrulereraser

small piece of clay or small, soft toy ball

wastebaskettwo playersInstructions:

Place the eraser on a flat surface, with the widest part facedown.

Place the ruler on top of the eraser so that it is balanced.

If using clay, roll the clay into a ball. Place the ball on one end of the ruler. (Note: this end of the ruler should now be touching the ground, and the other end should be in the air).

Place the wastebasket about 1 foot away from the end of the ruler that is in the air.

Make sure no one is standing between the ruler and the wastebasket. Then, use your fist to hit the end of the ruler that is in the air. Your ball will fly up toward the wastebasket.

Take turns with your partner, using the lever to send the ball into the air and toward the basket.

Can you get the ball in the basket?

Which of you can make the most baskets?

For more information on Science in the Summer, visit www.scienceinthesummer.com