Levers
Forces and Motion
Uphill Biscuit Tin
Enrichment Activity for 5-11 11-14
- Level Elementary
What you need
- A round biscuit tin (or similar container)
- A ramp or slope
- A lump of plasticine
Instructions
- Attach a large-fist-sized lump of plasticine to the inside of the wall of the tin at the seam and put the lid on
- With the seam facing upwards but towards the top of the slope, put the tin on its side at the bottom of the slope and hold it in place
- Let go
Results and Explanation
The weight of the plasticine creates a turning force on the tin that levers it up the hill when you let go, and makes it look as though you're defying gravity.
