Circus-Trick Science: How to Balance Anything

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why it is harder to keep your balance with a heavy backpack on? Or why it is difficult to make a toddler's sippy cup tip over? Maybe you are the kind of person who wonders about circus balancing acts and would like to learn how to ride a bike on a rope. Or perhaps you want to know how to make your toy car less prone to toppling over when racing through a sharp curve. In this science activity, you will get to investigate balance using marshmallows, skewers, and toothpicks. Sticky, yummy balancing fun!

Credits

Materials

• Large marshmallows
• Toothpicks
• Bamboo skewers
• Paper and a pen or pencil